NDLEA seizes Pretty Mike’s nightclub over drug allegations

A Lagos Federal High Court has ordered the temporary seizure of a property belonging to socialite Pretty Mike after allegations that it was used to store and distribute illicit substances. The decision followed the presentation of evidence by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which claimed the premises served as a hub for drug‑related activities.

The property, located on Victoria Island, operates as a nightclub called Proxy Lagos. According to the NDLEA, the venue was used to store and distribute significant quantities of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and cannabis sativa. The agency alleged that the nightclub’s owners, Mike Nwalie—known as Pretty Mike—and Joachim Hillary, were preparing the premises for a large‑scale drug party.

NDLEA counsel Buhari Abdulahi filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim forfeiture of the nightclub to the Federal Government. He argued that the property was an instrumentality of crime under the NDLEA Act and that suspending its operations was necessary to preserve its integrity during the ongoing investigation. The court was informed that the NDLEA had received intelligence about a major drug event at the nightclub in October 2025. A subsequent raid recovered 169 cylinders of nitrous oxide, 200 grams of cannabis, and led to the arrest of over 200 people, including the two owners. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the seized substances were controlled drugs.

The NDLEA also asserted that the nightclub had a history of drug‑related activities carried out with the knowledge and consent of its owners. After reviewing the evidence, Justice Musa Kakaki granted the NDLEA’s request, ordering the interim forfeiture of the nightclub to the Federal Government and suspending all operations pending the completion of investigations. The case has been adjourned until 28 January 2026 for further hearing.

The development underscores the ongoing efforts of Nigerian authorities to crack down on drug‑related activities and the misuse of properties for illicit purposes. The temporary seizure of the nightclub is a significant step in the investigation, and the outcome of the case will be closely watched.