The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking to stop the reopening of Proxy Night Club, the Victoria Island venue owned by Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
Justice Ambrose Lewis‑Allagoa refused the NDLEA’s request for a stay of execution of the court’s December 5, 2025 order that directed the unsealing of the club pending appeal. The judge said the agency did not show the “special and exceptional circumstances” required by law to halt the earlier ruling.
The court also said the NDLEA failed to apply to stay an earlier November 28 decision that the December order was based on. The judge described that omission as a “crucial lapse.” He added that the NDLEA’s motion lacked merit, saying in court, “In the final analysis, the application is brought in bad faith, lacks substance and is devoid of merit.”
Justice Lewis‑Allagoa noted that none of the grounds in the NDLEA’s notices of appeal were strong enough to justify stopping the club’s reopening. The ruling means the unsealing order stands and the club can be reopened.
The case traces back to a midnight raid on October 26, 2025, when NDLEA operatives entered Proxy Night Club. Pretty Mike and more than 100 guests were arrested over alleged drug‑related activities. They were arraigned on drug charges, pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail on November 7, 2025.
After the raid, the NDLEA sought interim forfeiture of the nightclub, saying it was used for drug activity. A court rejected that request, citing the constitutional presumption of innocence, and ordered the premises unsealed.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the court also granted an order for substituted service to serve contempt proceedings on the NDLEA Chairman for alleged disobedience of court orders, and warned the agency to comply fully with the court’s directives.
The trial in the criminal case is now set to continue on February 9 and 10.
