A U.S.-based Nigerian prison guard, Oluwayomi Obed Edom Adeola, has been indicted in Texas after he was allegedly caught in possession of prohibited items inside a correctional facility. 

Reports noted that the 39-year-old correctional officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was arrested last week by the TDCJ Office of Inspector General on two counts of possessing prohibited items or substances on prison premises.

Mr Adeola, who started working with the TDCJ in July 2025, was subsequently detained at the Madison County Jail for seven days before being released after fulfilling terms of his $40,000 bail bond.

Under Texas laws, providing or possessing with the intent to provide alcohol, drugs, weapons, cell phones, money, tobacco and certain other items in a correctional facility is illegal.

Punishment for the offence ranges between two and 20 years or a fine up to $10,000 for being caught with alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous drug, classified as a second-degree felony. 

Other prohibited-item violations are generally classified as third-degree felonies, punishable by two to 10 years in prison as well as $10,000 fine. 

It is not the first time that a Nigerian-born prison guard with the TDCJ has been arrested for allegedly committing crimes. In May, Ayodele Abiodun Afosi was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident after causing damage. 

Also, the Peoples Gazette reported in July another that another correctional officer from the department Bashir Oladimeji Lawal was arrested for alleged public intoxication.