The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has disclosed that the agency has filed a forfeiture suit against Proxy Night Club, a Lagos-based entertainment spot owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
The move comes after NDLEA operatives raided the nightclub on Sunday, arresting over 100 people, including the owner and his manager, Joachin Milary, during a “drug party” at the facility located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operation was based on credible intelligence that the organisers had circulated flyers promoting the event as a drug-themed party. Undercover operatives reportedly infiltrated the venue, made pre-purchases of illicit substances, and monitored activities for about four hours before carrying out the raid between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday.
A total of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and other drugs were recovered from the club’s storage area.
Speaking during the NDLEA’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja, Marwa said the forfeiture suit became necessary because the club owner “brazenly advertised” a drug party and encouraged the open use of illicit substances.
“In Nigeria, the possession and use of drugs in persons or premises is illegal. It is against the law, and we are the agency mandated to enforce it,” Marwa said.
“We will not allow a culture of impunity such as this to evolve in Nigeria. If you allow one, within weeks every nightclub will be inviting people for drug parties. We will not allow it.”
The NDLEA boss warned that club owners, hoteliers, and property managers risk losing their facilities if they are found to be used for drug-related activities.
“All club owners, hoteliers, and the like should be aware that the risk is forfeiture of their properties if used for criminal drug activities. We will definitely make an example with this particular club in Lagos,” he stated.
Marwa also outlined the agency’s achievements over the past 30 months, noting that the NDLEA recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions during the period.
He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated across NDLEA facilities nationwide, while 9,848 sensitisation campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, religious centres, and communities.
Marwa commended NDLEA personnel for their commitment despite challenges, saying the agency’s reward and recognition system has helped strengthen morale and boost operational performance.