The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has addressed the arrest of Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
In a statement on Tuesday, the agency warned nightclub owners and fun seekers against the rising trend of organising or attending “drug parties,” describing it as a violation of Nigerian law.
The warning follows a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives at Proxy Night Club on 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the night of October 25 into the early hours of October 26.
Over 100 persons were arrested during the operation, including Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary.
According to the agency, any gathering organised for the consumption, distribution or abuse of illicit substances is a criminal offence under the NDLEA Act.
“These ‘drug parties’ not only violate the law but also fuel Nigeria’s growing drug abuse crisis, particularly among youths,” the statement read. “They serve as recruitment hubs for addiction and undermine national efforts to safeguard public health and security.”
The agency said its operatives acted on credible intelligence, conducting undercover surveillance and purchasing illicit substances from within the club before launching the raid.
“For four hours, between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday, our operatives monitored and recorded drug transactions and abuse before moving in to disrupt the open display of criminality,” NDLEA said.
“While all attendees were profiled, counselled and released shortly after, the two principal suspects – Pretty Mike and Millary – remain in custody.”
NDLEA confirmed the seizure of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, along with other narcotic substances recovered from the club’s store.
The agency also warned that owners of properties, hotels or event centres who knowingly host such activities risk confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government.
“The NDLEA will continue to intensify surveillance and enforce the law against perpetrators,” it added. “We urge parents, community leaders and citizens to remain vigilant and report such activities to help protect national wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, former Big Brother Naija housemate Tuoyo Ideh, who was among those arrested, has been released.
Tuoyo has since accused NDLEA operatives of brutality, alleging that he was beaten and forced to do frog jumps.
He claimed on Instagram that he was treated “like a criminal” despite not being involved in any drug-related activity.
NDLEA is yet to respond to his allegations.
