by Willy Okonji, Lagos~
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has filed a forfeiture suit against Proxy Night Club, owned by Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, following a dramatic weekend raid on the premises over an alleged “drug party.”
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), confirmed the development in Abuja during the agency’s annual commendation and award ceremony, where several senior officers were decorated and recognised for outstanding performance.
“The forfeiture suit followed the raid after the club owner brazenly advertised a drug party, openly encouraging patrons to indulge in drugs,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA’s operation, carried out between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday, led to the arrest of over 100 partygoers, including Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Milary. The club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, had allegedly circulated flyers promoting the controversial event.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, undercover operatives infiltrated the club, purchased illicit substances, and monitored proceedings for hours before the raid.
“Operatives recovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis and other illicit substances from the club’s storage area,” Babafemi disclosed in a statement.
Marwa, who used the occasion to issue a stern warning to Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality industries, said the NDLEA would not tolerate drug-related activities being normalised in public spaces.
“In Nigeria, the possession and use of drugs in persons or premises is illegal. We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve. If we permit one, in two or three weeks, every nightclub in the country will invite people for a drug party. We will not allow it,” he declared.
The NDLEA boss further cautioned that any property linked to drug crimes would face the same fate.
“All club owners, hoteliers and the like should be aware that their properties risk forfeiture if used for perpetrating criminal drug activities. We will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos,” Marwa warned.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements over the past 30 months, Marwa revealed that the NDLEA had recorded 45,853 arrests, 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs. In the same period, 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated, while nearly 10,000 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns were held nationwide.
“Our officers have demonstrated exceptional courage and integrity despite the risks and temptations in the line of duty,” Marwa said, adding that the agency’s reward and recognition system has strengthened morale and improved performance.
The case against Pretty Mike’s club is expected to proceed in court as the NDLEA intensifies its crackdown on drug use and distribution within Nigeria’s nightlife scene.
