A Nigerian-born correctional officer in the United States, Michael Oluwapelumi Ademoye, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle synthetic cannabinoids into a prison facility in Texas.
Ademoye, 28, is an employee of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was arrested by the agency’s Office of Inspector General after he allegedly entered the Wynne Unit with more than four grammes of paper treated with K2, a synthetic cannabinoid.
The officer, who joined the TDCJ in April 2025, reportedly admitted during questioning that he was paid to deliver the prohibited substance to an inmate at the facility.
Ademoye was among six cadets previously recognised by the Wynne Unit for their dedication and commitment to duty in a Facebook post published by the facility in June.
The facility had commended the cadets for adapting quickly to their responsibilities and contributing positively to its operations.
Following his arrest, Ademoye was charged with manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and bribery. As of September 26, he was being held on bonds totalling $150,000, comprising $100,000 for the drug-related charge and $50,000 for bribery.
His arrest adds to a series of cases involving Nigerian nationals employed by the Texas prison service this year. Another correctional officer, Eberechukwu Emmanuel Igwe, was recently arrested over an alleged domestic violence incident.
Earlier in September, Oluwayomi Obed Edom was also arrested over alleged possession of K2 and methamphetamine inside a correctional facility, while Ayodele Abiodun Afosi was charged in May with fleeing an accident scene after allegedly causing damage. Another TDCJ officer, Bashir Oladimeji Lawal, was arrested in July over alleged public intoxication.
