By Nkechi Eze
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a stern warning to nightclub operators and fun seekers nationwide over the growing trend of organizing and attending so-called “drug parties,” describing the practice as a criminal act that will attract severe legal consequences.
The warning followed a major raid by NDLEA operatives on a drug party that took place on the night of Saturday, October 25, into the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. During the operation, over 100 attendees were arrested, including the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.
In an official statement signed by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA emphasized that any gathering organized for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances constitutes a serious narcotic offence under Nigerian law.
According to the statement, “Any gathering organized for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy Night Club, organizers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.”
Babafemi noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with a high rate of drug abuse, especially among the youth, adding that such illicit gatherings worsen the situation by creating new avenues for drug recruitment and addiction.
“Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security,” he stated.
He explained that the Agency had acted on credible intelligence before the raid. “The NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club, and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests,” Babafemi said.
The NDLEA further disclosed that while all attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counseled, and released within hours in custody — in line with best global practices — the two principal suspects, Pretty Mike and his manager, remain in custody. The operation also led to the seizure of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, along with other illicit substances recovered from the club’s store.
“While the Agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found,” the statement added.
The NDLEA also called on Nigerians to be proactive in combating the growing menace of drug-related crimes. The Agency urged parents, community leaders, and the general public to report suspicious activities and work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to safeguard national health and security.
“The Agency urges all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being,” Babafemi stated.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favor, emphasizing that the war against drug abuse and trafficking will continue until all those involved are brought to justice.
