The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has filed a forfeiture suit against a Lagos nightclub owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has disclosed.
The raid occurred on Sunday at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during a so-called “drug party.” Over 100 attendees were arrested, including the club owner and his manager, Joachin Milary.
The NDLEA said the operation followed intelligence that flyers had been circulated inviting people to a “drug party.”
In an update on Tuesday, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said undercover operatives infiltrated the club, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs, and monitored activities for about four hours before storming the premises between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Operatives recovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, along with other illicit substances from the club’s storage area.
Speaking during the NDLEA’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja—where 15 senior officers were decorated and several personnel recognised for outstanding performance—Marwa said the forfeiture suit followed the raid after the club owner “brazenly advertised” a drug party, openly encouraging patrons to use drugs.
According to him, the agency will not tolerate a culture of impunity in the entertainment sector or elsewhere.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Marwa also warned club owners, hoteliers, and facility managers nationwide that their buildings risk seizure if used for drug-related activities.
“All club owners, hoteliers, and the like should be aware that the risk of forfeiture of their properties exists if they are used for perpetrating criminal drug activities. And we will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos,” he added.
Highlighting the NDLEA’s achievements over the past 30 months, Marwa said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, secured 9,263 convictions, and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users.
He added that the agency conducted 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns nationwide in schools, workplaces, markets, motorparks, churches, mosques, and communities.
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.”
While commending officers for their dedication despite risks and temptations, Marwa said the agency’s reward and recognition system has strengthened morale and improved operational outcomes.