The Chairman/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 a Lagos nightclub owned by socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
The NDLEA had on Sunday raided a drug party held at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where operatives arrested over 100 attendees, including the club owner and his manager, Joachin Milary.
The NDLEA stated that the operation followed intelligence that the organizers had circulated flyers inviting people to what was described as a “drug party.”
In an update issued on Tuesday, the NDLEA’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.
He stated that operators discovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong cannabis strain, and other illegal substances in the club’s storage room.
During the NDLEA’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja, where 15 senior officers were decorated with new ranks and several personnel were recognized for outstanding performance, Marwa stated that the forfeiture suit followed the raid because the club owner “brazenly advertised” a drug party, openly encouraging patrons to indulge in drugs.
According to him, the agency would not allow a culture of impunity to take hold in the entertainment industry or anywhere in the country.
“In Nigeria, the possession and use of drugs by persons or on 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 issued a warning to club owners, hoteliers, and facility managers nationwide that their buildings risked being seized if they were 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.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s accomplishments during the last 30 months, claiming that the NDLEA made 45,853 arrests, collected over 8.5 million kilograms of various illicit narcotics, obtained 9,263 convictions, and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users.
He stated that the agency conducted 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse sensitization activities around the country during the same time period.
“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 kilograms 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 sensitization activities were conducted in schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, churches, mosques, and communities, among others, during the same period.”
Marwa praised police for their perseverance in the face of hazards and temptations and stated that the agency’s reward and recognition system had enhanced morale and operational outcomes.
