A Nigerian correctional officer based in the United States, Michael Oluwapelumi Ademoye, once celebrated for his dedication to duty, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into a prison facility in Texas.

The Peoples Gazette gathered that the 28-year-old, who is employed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), was recently arrested by the office of the inspector general after he entered the department’s Wynne Unit with more than four grammes of paper laced with synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as K2.

Reports noted that during interrogation, Mr Ademoye, employed by the TDCJ in April 2025, confessed that he was paid to deliver the banned substance to an unidentified inmate being held in the unit. 

The suspect was said to be one of the six cadets recognised by the TDCJ’s Wynne Unit in a Facebook post published in June for their “dedication and commitment,” with the facility commending their quick adaptation to the job and positive impact.

Mr Ademoye has subsequently been charged with offences of drug manufacturing or delivery and bribery. He was being held on a $100,000 bond for the drug charge and a $50,000 bond for bribery as of September 26.

Mr Ademoye became the fourth Nigerian nationals working with the TDCJ charged this year. The Peoples Gazette reported last week that a correctional officer, Eberechukwu Emmanuel, was arrested for allegedly beating his wife during an argument over clothes and hats. 

Earlier this month, Oluwayomi Obed Edom was apprehended over alleged synthetic cannabinoid and methamphetamine possession inside a correctional facility.

In May, Ayodele Abiodun Afosi was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident after causing damage. Also, The Gazette reported in July that another correctional officer from the department Bashir Oladimeji Lawal was arrested for alleged public intoxication.