The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has revealed that the agency has filed a forfeiture suit against a Lagos nightclub owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, following a recent drug-related raid.
The development comes after NDLEA operatives stormed Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where a “drug party” was reportedly taking place. Over 100 individuals, including the club owner and his manager, Joachin Milary, were arrested during the operation.
According to the agency, the raid was based on credible intelligence that the organisers had circulated flyers promoting a party themed around drug use. In a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, it was disclosed that undercover agents had infiltrated the club ahead of the operation, purchased illicit substances, and monitored activities for four hours before executing the raid between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Babafemi confirmed that officers recovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong variant of cannabis, along with other illegal drugs stored within the club premises.
Speaking at the NDLEA’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja—where 15 senior officers were promoted and several others recognised for excellence—Marwa said the forfeiture suit was filed after it was discovered that the club “brazenly advertised” a drug-fueled event, encouraging patrons to indulge in narcotics.
He stated, “In Nigeria, the possession and use of drugs in persons or premises is illegal. It is against the law, and we are the drug law enforcement agency to enforce the law. We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve in Nigeria. If you allow one, 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.”
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Marwa issued a strong warning to nightclub owners, hotel operators, and facility managers across the country, reminding them that their establishments could be seized if found to be hosting or supporting drug-related activities.
“All club owners, hoteliers, and the like should be aware that the risk is the forfeiture of their properties if they are used for perpetrating criminal drug activities. And we will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos,” he said.
The NDLEA boss also used the occasion to highlight the agency’s achievements over the past 30 months, noting that the NDLEA recorded 45,853 arrests, seized more than 8.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions. He added that 26,613 drug users had undergone counselling and rehabilitation, while 9,848 sensitisation campaigns were carried out nationwide under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
Marwa said, “In the past 30 months, on our two major plans of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests. Seizure of over 8.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and conviction of 9,263 offenders, with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities spread across the country, while a total of 9,848 war against drug abuse sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motorparks, churches, mosques, and communities, among others, during the same period.”
He further commended NDLEA officers for their resilience, integrity, and commitment in the face of risks and temptations, adding that the agency’s reward and recognition system has significantly boosted morale and improved operational results.