- Safiu Kehinde
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sought the forfeiture of the Lagos nightclub owned by Nigerian socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, following raid of drug party.
NPO Reported that the agency had on Sunday raided the Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Pretty, alongside over 100 attendees of the alleged drug party and his manager, Joachin Milary, were arrested during the raid.
The organisers of the event were alleged to have circulated flyers inviting people to the party which was themed ‘drug party’.
Recounting how the party was intercepted, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, disclosed that undercover operatives infiltrated the club.
They 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.
Babafemi said operatives recovered 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and other illicit substances from the club’s storage area.
Sequel to the discovery and arrest, the NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa (Rtd) disclosed that a forfeiture suit has been filed against the night club.
Marwa made this known while speaking during the NDLEA’s annual commendation and award ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.
In his address, the NDLEA boss said agency will not allow a culture of impunity to take root in the entertainment sector or any part of the country.
“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,” he said.
Marwa warned club owners, hoteliers and facility managers nationwide that their buildings risk being seized if they are used for drug-related activities, adding that Pretty Mike’s club will be used as example.
“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.
According to reports, Marwa also highlighted the agency’s achievements in the last 30 months, stating that the NDLEA recorded 45,853 arrests, seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs, secured 9,263 convictions, and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users.