The Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested two men accused of attempting to smuggle illicit drugs, including Indian hemp, to inmates during court proceedings at the Nomansland Court Complex in Kano State. The arrest, which occurred amid heightened security operations, has renewed attention on the risks surrounding inmate movement to and from court and the evolving tactics used to breach custodial controls.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Goron Dutse, who were deployed to provide security during inmate transportation and court appearances.

The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by the command’s spokesperson, Musbahu Lawan.

Suspects Arrested During Court Proceedings

The suspects were identified as Usman Khalid and Bello Musa Ahmed, both residents of the Tsamiya, also known as Brigade, area of Kano State. According to the NCoS, the men were caught while attempting to throw Indian hemp and other prohibited substances to inmates who were attending court sessions at the Nomansland Court Complex.

Lawan said the suspects took advantage of the busy court environment, where large crowds often gather, to carry out the alleged act. However, correctional officers monitoring the area reportedly detected suspicious behaviour and intervened before the substances reached any inmate.

“The arrest was made possible due to the heightened vigilance of officers deployed to secure inmates during their movement to and from court sittings,” Lawan stated.

Increased Vigilance During Inmate Movement

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, periods when inmates are transported outside custodial facilities remain among the most vulnerable points in correctional security. Court appearances, in particular, often attract attempts by criminal elements to pass contraband, relay messages, or disrupt proceedings.

Lawan noted that intelligence reports and past incidents have shown that smugglers frequently exploit such moments, prompting the command to strengthen surveillance and monitoring around court premises.

Correctional officers assigned to the Nomansland Court Complex were reportedly instructed to pay close attention to crowd movements and interactions between members of the public and inmates. This strategy, the command said, directly led to the interception of the suspects.

Items Recovered and Next Steps

While the NCoS did not disclose the exact quantity of drugs recovered, it confirmed that Indian hemp and other banned substances were seized from the suspects at the point of arrest. The items have since been documented as exhibits.

Following the arrest, the Controller of the Kano State Command, Ado Inuwa, directed that both the suspects and the recovered substances be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

According to the statement, the decision aligns with existing inter-agency protocols, which assign responsibility for drug-related offences to the NDLEA.

Warning to the Public

The Nigerian Correctional Service used the incident to issue a strong warning to members of the public, cautioning against any form of interaction with inmates during court appearances or transit.

According to Lawan, intermingling with inmates, whether to pass items or communicate messages, constitutes a serious security breach and is punishable under Nigerian law.

He urged citizens to maintain a safe distance from inmates during court proceedings and to promptly report suspicious activities to security personnel.

“This is not only a violation of the law, it also poses risks to public safety and undermines the integrity of the justice system,” the statement said.

Broader Context of Drug Control in Custodial Centres

The attempted smuggling comes against the backdrop of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service to curb the flow of drugs and other contraband into custodial facilities nationwide. In recent years, the service has reported multiple interceptions involving narcotics, mobile phones, and sharp objects at various custodial centres.

Security experts say drugs within correctional facilities can fuel violence, weaken rehabilitation programmes, and create underground economies that compromise order and discipline.

According to criminologist and security analyst Kabiru Sadiq, drug smuggling attempts often increase in facilities located near busy court complexes.

“Court days create unique vulnerabilities because inmates are temporarily outside controlled environments,” Sadiq said. “Smugglers rely on confusion and crowds, but consistent surveillance can significantly reduce these risks.”

Commitment to Rehabilitation and Security

Reaffirming its mandate, the Kano State Command of the NCoS said it remains committed to the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates and will not tolerate any activity capable of undermining that mission.

According to the command, drugs not only threaten institutional security but also directly contradict correctional goals aimed at behavioural reform and reintegration into society.

The service reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on drug-related activities within and around custodial operations, stressing that both inmates and civilians involved in such acts would face the full weight of the law.

Why the Incident Matters Now

The arrest highlights ongoing challenges faced by correctional authorities as Nigeria’s justice system grapples with overcrowded courts, rising caseloads, and security pressures. As courts resume full operations following holiday periods, movement of inmates is expected to increase, making vigilance even more critical.

Analysts say the case also underscores the importance of cooperation between correctional officers, drug enforcement agencies, and the public. Without timely intelligence and public awareness, such attempts could easily go undetected.

According to civil society groups working on prison reform, preventing drugs from entering custodial centres is essential for reducing recidivism and improving inmate welfare.

Attention will now shift to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which is expected to take over the investigation and determine whether the suspects acted alone or as part of a wider network supplying drugs to inmates.

Observers will also be watching to see if the NCoS introduces additional measures around court complexes in Kano State, such as increased perimeter controls or public awareness campaigns.

The arrest of two men accused of attempting to smuggle drugs to inmates at the Nomansland Court Complex underscores the persistent security threats surrounding inmate movement and court proceedings. While no contraband reached its intended targets, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and public cooperation. As investigations continue, the Nigerian Correctional Service says it remains resolute in protecting the integrity of custodial operations and supporting a justice system free from criminal interference.