LAGOS — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has initiated legal proceedings to forfeit the Proxy Night Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, after operatives uncovered what they described as a full-blown “drug party” during a weekend raid that led to the arrest of over 100 persons, including the club owner, socialite Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
The agency said the forfeiture move followed clear evidence that the facility was used for the consumption, sale, and promotion of illicit drugs—acts that directly violate Nigeria’s NDLEA Act and criminal laws governing narcotics.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to NDLEA officials, the operation was conducted in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, following weeks of surveillance on the club located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Acting on intelligence that the venue would host an “exclusive drug-themed party,” NDLEA operatives stormed the premises around 3:00 a.m. The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that the raid was part of an ongoing crackdown on illicit drug use in entertainment hubs across Nigeria’s major cities.
He said, “Our men recovered various quantities of cannabis, synthetic strains like ‘loud,’ and canisters of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, which were being freely inhaled by guests at the event. Some attendees were also found in possession of designer pills and other controlled substances.”
Babafemi added that the event had been widely advertised on social media platforms, complete with tickets and flyers promoting what organizers described as a “high-energy, no-limits experience.”
Over 100 Arrested, Including Pretty Mike
Among the over 100 persons arrested during the operation were the club’s management team, event promoters, and several attendees, including socialite and club owner, Pretty Mike, who has previously been in the spotlight for controversial public appearances and parties.
According to NDLEA officials, all those arrested were profiled and interrogated. While some were granted administrative bail, others remained in custody pending toxicology reports and verification of their involvement in the organization and financing of the event.
Preliminary investigations, according to NDLEA, revealed that the club had hosted similar “drug-inclined gatherings” in the past, attracting celebrities, influencers, and young professionals.
NDLEA Moves for Forfeiture
Following the arrests, the NDLEA said it has filed an application for the interim forfeiture of the club property, in accordance with Section 33 of the NDLEA Act, which empowers the agency to seize any premises, vehicle, or property used in the commission of drug-related offences.
“The agency will be approaching the Federal High Court for an order of forfeiture,” Babafemi said. “This is to serve as a strong deterrent to those who use hospitality or entertainment venues for drug-related crimes. Owners will be held responsible for what happens under their roofs.”
He further warned that any establishment that allows the consumption or sale of narcotics risks losing its license and property. “We will not only prosecute offenders but will also take away the physical infrastructure enabling such crimes,” he added.
What the Law Says
Under the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, any person who owns, manages, or knowingly allows the use of their property for drug trafficking or consumption is liable to criminal prosecution. The Act also authorises the forfeiture of assets linked to such offences.
Legal experts note that once the NDLEA secures an interim forfeiture order, the property owner must prove that the venue was not knowingly used for criminal activity. If the court finds otherwise, a final forfeiture order is issued, transferring ownership of the property to the federal government.
A Growing Crackdown on Drug Culture in Nightlife
The raid on Proxy Night Club marks one of the most high-profile operations by the NDLEA in recent months, reflecting the agency’s intensified focus on drug abuse in the entertainment industry.
In recent years, the NDLEA has conducted similar operations in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, targeting rave parties, private lounges, and music events allegedly promoting narcotic use.
Officials say the trend of “drug parties”—where participants openly consume cannabis, synthetic substances, and inhalants—poses a growing threat to public health and youth development.
An NDLEA officer involved in the operation said, “We have observed a worrying pattern where certain entertainment figures glamourize drug use online and then host parties that normalize such behaviour. This has to stop. The law is clear, and we are determined to enforce it.”
Public Reaction and Industry Fallout
The news of the NDLEA’s move to seize Proxy Night Club has generated intense debate within Nigeria’s nightlife and entertainment circles.
While some industry players have condemned the alleged drug culture and urged club owners to maintain clean operations, others view the forfeiture threat as a heavy-handed approach that could harm legitimate businesses.
A nightclub manager in Lekki, who requested anonymity, said, “Most clubs try their best to maintain order, but you can’t always control what guests bring in. The NDLEA should focus on the individuals involved, not close down entire businesses.”
However, many Nigerians on social media applauded the NDLEA’s action, arguing that drug parties have become a dangerous trend among youths. “They need to make an example of one big name,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “When they see properties being confiscated, others will think twice.”
NDLEA’s Position: Zero Tolerance
The NDLEA maintains that its new strategy—focusing on both offenders and enablers—is necessary to break the supply chain and dismantle the social acceptance of drug use.
“The entertainment industry must understand that our war against drugs is not against creativity or nightlife,” Babafemi clarified. “It is against criminality, addiction, and the reckless endangerment of young Nigerians. No responsible nation will watch its youth waste away in the name of fun.”
He revealed that the agency is collaborating with the Lagos State Safety Commission and other regulatory bodies to review licensing processes for nightclubs and event centers. Going forward, venues found culpable in any drug-related case could face suspension or outright closure.
The Legal Battle Ahead
As the NDLEA moves to formalize its forfeiture request, legal analysts predict a tough courtroom battle, especially given the club’s high-profile ownership and clientele.
Barrister Ijeoma Ezenwa, a criminal law expert, noted that the agency must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the venue’s management knew about the drug activities.
“The NDLEA’s case will hinge on whether the club facilitated or turned a blind eye to the use of narcotics,” she said. “If they can show that management promoted or tolerated such events, forfeiture is likely. If not, the court may rule in favour of the owner.”
The Broader Implication for Nigeria’s Drug War
The Proxy Night Club incident highlights the NDLEA’s evolving enforcement model—one that targets not just traffickers but also social spaces where drug use is normalized.
Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), the agency has intensified nationwide operations, making thousands of arrests, seizing tonnes of narcotics, and securing numerous convictions.
The move also aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan, which calls for stricter regulation of venues and platforms that contribute to drug proliferation.
Conclusion
The NDLEA’s pursuit of forfeiture against Proxy Night Club represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against narcotic abuse and trafficking. If the court grants the agency’s request, it will mark one of the most significant property seizures linked to drug-related offences in recent history.
As investigations continue, the case will test the balance between law enforcement, property rights, and the responsibility of entertainment operators in curbing the spread of drug culture.
For now, the message from the NDLEA is unmistakable: Nigeria’s nightlife scene is on notice, and there will be zero tolerance for any venue that becomes a haven for illicit drugs.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the NDLEA proceeds with its forfeiture action and legal hearings in the coming days.
