By John Umeh
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of Proxy Lagos Night Club, a popular hangout spot owned by Lagos socialite Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, famously known as Pretty Mike, over allegations of drug trafficking and abuse.
The presiding judge, Justice Musa Kakaki, issued the order after listening to arguments presented by Buhari Abdullahi, counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The motion, filed ex parte and marked FHC/L/MISC/1161/2025, sought the temporary seizure of the club located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged drug-related offences.
Also named in the suit as respondents are Pretty Mike (Mike Nwalie) and Joachim Hillary, said to be one of the club’s employees.
NDLEA’s Case Before the Court
The NDLEA, through its lawyer, invoked several provisions of the NDLEA Act, the 1999 Constitution, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules to justify its application. The agency asked the court to:
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Grant an interim forfeiture of the property in favour of the Federal Government and place it in NDLEA custody.
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Suspend all operations and events at the nightclub pending the conclusion of investigations.
According to the NDLEA, the nightclub had allegedly been used as a hub for drug storage, concealment, and abuse, with officers recovering 169 cylinders (384.662 kilograms) of nitrous oxide (popularly known as laughing gas) and 200 grams of cannabis sativa from the premises.
The agency claimed the substances were intended for use at a large “drug party” organized by the club before NDLEA operatives intervened.
How the NDLEA Raid Unfolded
The court filing was backed by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasiru Garba Bungudu. According to the affidavit, NDLEA agents received intelligence in October 2025 about a planned drug event at the club. Surveillance was conducted, and the tip-off proved accurate.
In the early hours of October 26, 2025, NDLEA operatives raided Proxy Night Club, recovering the illicit substances and arresting over 200 individuals, including Pretty Mike and his staff member, Joachim Hillary.
Subsequent testing confirmed that the recovered materials were controlled narcotics. Investigators further alleged that Hillary had been distributing illegal substances within the club with the knowledge and consent of Pretty Mike, the club owner.
Court Grants NDLEA’s Request
After reviewing the evidence and the legal arguments, Justice Kakaki found the NDLEA’s motion compelling and granted all the reliefs sought. The judge ruled that the property should remain under NDLEA custody and that all club activities must remain suspended until investigations are completed.
The matter was adjourned to January 28, 2026, for the NDLEA to present a report of its findings.
Why the Order Matters
The NDLEA argued that the interim forfeiture was a necessary legal step to prevent the club from being used for further criminal purposes and to preserve evidence while investigations continue. The agency also described the action as part of a broader effort to clamp down on the growing trend of “drug parties” across major Lagos nightclubs.
Justice Kakaki, in his ruling, said the request was valid and in the interest of justice, stressing that the order would not unfairly prejudice any party while ensuring that due process is maintained during the investigation.
