By Nkechi Eze
In a bold move to strip drug traffickers of their ill-gotten wealth and reinforce the rule of law, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, held a public auction of forfeited properties linked to drug trafficking offences. The auction, which took place at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja, marks another decisive step in NDLEA’s strategic crackdown on the financial assets of convicted drug offenders.
According to an official statement signed by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the auction featured eight properties located across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States. The buildings were either acquired through proceeds of illicit drug trade or used directly in the commission of drug crimes.
The exercise drew the participation of pre-qualified auctioneers, registered bidders, civil society observers, the media, and representatives from other government agencies, ensuring a process that was transparent and widely monitored.
Speaking at the event, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who was represented by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, said the public sale was part of NDLEA’s broader strategy to weaken criminal networks by targeting their financial bases.
“This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice. Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives that drive these crimes are neutralized through legal forfeiture. This serves as both punishment and deterrence. When drug traffickers know they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone,” he said.
Out of the eight listed properties, two houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu, Lagos, were removed from the auction due to notices of appeal that were received after the process had commenced. Of the remaining six properties, two were successfully auctioned at prices exceeding N139 million. The other properties either attracted no bids or offers below their benchmark valuations.
The bidding process received high praise from independent observers. Umar Yakubu, representative of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended the NDLEA for conducting a credible, transparent, and professional exercise.
“The level of transparency observed here today is commendable and aligns with international best practices. This reflects a strong institutional culture that values accountability. We encourage the NDLEA to continue showcasing such processes as tools for public education on the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking,” Yakubu stated.
Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, Jerry Iorwa Aernan, also spoke during the event. He emphasized that the auctioneers were vetted and pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had passed integrity assessments. This, he said, was done to prevent any manipulation or re-acquisition of seized assets by original owners through third parties.
Aernan further explained the financial terms of the sale, stating that successful bidders are required to pay 10 percent of the bid amount within fourteen days to validate their interest, while the balance must be paid within a stipulated timeframe to complete the transaction.
