Lagos Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Pretty Mike’s Nightclub Over Drug-Related Allegations

 

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted a major legal victory to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ordering the interim forfeiture of the popular Proxy Lagos Night Club, owned by socialite Mike Eze Nwalie, widely known as Pretty Mike. 

The Forfeiture Order
Justice Musa Kakaki presided over the ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA, through its counsel, Barrister Buhari Abdullahi, under the motion number FHC/L/MISC/1161/2025.  The court ruled that the nightclub, located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island, Lagos, is to be seized by the federal government, with custody vested in the NDLEA pending the outcome of its investigation. 

Allegations Against the Club
According to the NDLEA, the Proxy Night Club was allegedly being used not just for entertainment but as a storage and distribution hub for illicit substances.  The agency claims that it uncovered 169 cylinders of nitrous oxide (commonly known as “laughing gas”), weighing a total of 384.662 kilograms, as well as 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa at the premises. 

The NDLEA argues that these substances were being stockpiled in preparation for a large-scale, illegal “drug party” at the nightclub.  In its motion, the agency described Proxy as an “instrumentality of crime” — meaning it was allegedly used to facilitate or carry out drug offences. 

Evidence and Court Ruling
Supporting the NDLEA’s case was a 22-paragraph affidavit from Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasiru Garba Bungudu, who detailed how intelligence in October 2025 revealed plans for a “drug party” at the club.  Based on this intelligence, NDLEA operatives launched a midnight raid on October 26, 2025, when they reportedly intercepted the illicit substances and arrested more than 200 people — including Pretty Mike himself and Joachim Hillary, who is identified as a staff member of the nightclub.  Laboratory tests later confirmed that the seized materials were indeed nitrous oxide and cannabis. 

After reviewing the motion, the affidavit, and the legal arguments, Justice Kakaki held that the NDLEA’s application was “meritorious” and granted all of its prayers.  The judge also ordered that all nightclub activities be suspended until the investigation is complete. The matter has been adjourned to January 28, 2026, when the NDLEA is expected to present a report on its ongoing investigation. 

Legal Basis for Forfeiture
In making its case, the NDLEA cited several legal provisions, including sections of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as well as federal court procedural rules. The agency argued that because Proxy Night Club was allegedly used to facilitate the storage, concealment, and distribution of controlled substances, it falls squarely under the “instrumentality of crime” doctrine, justifying its seizure. 

Repercussions and Implications
This legal action marks a significant escalation in the NDLEA’s crackdown on nightlife establishments alleged to be complicit in drug trafficking. By targeting the property itself — not just individuals — the agency is sending a strong signal to other club owners and event organizers that illegal activities will not be tolerated. 

For Pretty Mike, this is a major reputational and legal blow. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, he now faces serious scrutiny over how his club was allegedly used for illicit purposes. If the investigation confirms the NDLEA’s claims, the temporary seizure could become permanent, meaning the club may never revert to private ownership.