NDLEA Initiates Property Forfeiture Proceedings Against Pretty Mike’s Club Following Drug Party.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa (retd.), has disclosed that the agency has initiated a forfeiture suit against Proxy Night Club, a Lagos venue owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
The legal action follows a major raid on Sunday where NDLEA operatives arrested over 100 attendees, including the club owner and his manager, Joachin Milary, during a “drug party” at the club’s Victoria Island location.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed on Tuesday that the operation was based on intelligence about the party, whose organizers had circulated flyers promoting the event as a “drug party.” Undercover operatives first infiltrated the club, successfully pre-purchased illicit drugs, and monitored the premises for approximately four hours before the raid occurred between 11 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday.
Operatives successfully recovered $384.886$ kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, along with other illicit substances from the club’s storage area, according to NDLEA spokesperson Babafemi. Speaking at the agency’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman Marwa announced the forfeiture suit.
He explained that the action was triggered after the club owner “brazenly advertised” a drug party, openly encouraging patrons to use drugs. Marwa emphasized that the agency “will not allow a culture of impunity to take root” in the entertainment sector or anywhere else in the country.
In Nigeria, the possession and use of illegal drugs—whether by individuals or within any premises—is against the law. As the drug law enforcement agency, it is our duty to enforce this law.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa issued a severe warning against allowing drug parties to take root in Nigeria, stating, “We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve in Nigeria.” He cautioned that if such activities are permitted, “give it two or three weeks and every nightclub in the country will invite people to come and have a drug party. We will not allow it.” Marwa stressed the heavy legal risks for property owners, informing club owners, hoteliers, and facility managers nationwide that their buildings risk being forfeited if they are used to perpetrate criminal drug activities.
He finalized his warning by promising, “All club owners, hoteliers and the like should be aware that the risk is the forfeiture of their properties… And we will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos.”
Marwa then highlighted the agency’s significant achievements over the past 30 months across its two major plans: drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction. Within that period, the NDLEA recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions. Furthermore, the agency reported that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, and communities.
Marwa commended the officers for their dedication, acknowledging the risks and temptations they face, and noted that the agency’s reward and recognition system has successfully strengthened morale and led to improved operational outcomes.
