The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Kano State has demonstrated its vigilance by foiling an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into a court holding facility. A young man was arrested while allegedly trying to pass contraband to an inmate during a court proceeding.
Suspect Apprehended at High Court Premises
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, officers from the Goron Dutse Custodial Centre made the arrest. The incident occurred on the premises of the Kano High Court while inmates were being escorted for their hearings. The Command's Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa, confirmed the details in an official statement.
The suspect, a 20-year-old resident of Tishama Hotoro Quarters in Kano, was found with a loaf of bread. Upon inspection, officers discovered a substance suspected to be Indian hemp cleverly concealed inside the bread. The alleged plan was to hand the drug-laden item to an inmate during the court session.
Swift Handover to Drug Enforcement Agency
The state Controller of Corrections, Ado Inuwa, immediately ordered that the suspect be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This move ensures a thorough investigation and potential prosecution under relevant drug laws. The command's action underscores a zero-tolerance policy towards drug infiltration.
Controller Inuwa publicly commended the Officer-in-Charge of the Goron Dutse Custodial Centre, ACC Kafilu Abdullahi, and his team. He praised their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication in preventing the entry of illegal substances into the custodial environment.
Reaffirming Commitment to Safe Custodial Facilities
In his statement, Controller Inuwa reiterated the Service's unwavering commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and drug-free custodial centres across Kano State. He highlighted that this incident was not isolated, noting that the command had recently thwarted a similar smuggling attempt.
Inuwa also issued a caution to the public, particularly parents and guardians, urging them to guide their wards away from criminal activities. He reaffirmed the core mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service: to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate offenders back into society as law-abiding citizens—a mission compromised by the presence of drugs.
This successful interception is part of the NCoS's broader, ongoing efforts to curb crime and criminality within and around its correctional facilities, ensuring they serve as centres for genuine reformation.
