The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has filed a forfeiture suit against Proxy Night Club in Lagos, owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, following a raid that exposed illicit drug activities.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa (retd.), revealed the development during the agency’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja, where 15 senior officers were decorated and several personnel recognised for outstanding performance.
The agency had on Sunday raided the club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, after intelligence indicated that flyers had been circulated inviting patrons to a so-called “drug party.”
Over 100 people, including the club owner and his manager, Joachin Milary, were arrested during the operation.
In an update, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that 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.
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Marwa described the forfeiture suit as a necessary step following the raid after the club owner “brazenly advertised” a drug party, openly encouraging patrons to indulge in drugs.
He stressed that the NDLEA will not tolerate lawlessness in the entertainment sector or elsewhere.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Warns Club Owners, Fun Seekers Against Drug Parties
“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,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss also warned club owners, hoteliers, and facility managers nationwide that their properties risk seizure if used for 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 added.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements over the past 30 months, 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 commended NDLEA officers for their dedication despite risks and temptations, noting that the agency’s reward and recognition system has strengthened morale and improved operational outcomes.
