The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned nightclub operators and fun seekers against the rising trend of drug parties, describing the act as a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The warning followed a weekend raid at Proxy Night Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, where operatives arrested over 100 people, including the club owner, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Milary.
According to the NDLEA, the operation began after flyers for a “drug party” circulated online. Undercover agents infiltrated the venue, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs, and monitored activities for four hours before storming the club between 11 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday.
A total of 384.886 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and other drugs were recovered from the club’s store.
Club Owner and Manager Face Prosecution
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said all attendees were “profiled, counselled, and released within hours,” but the club owner and manager remain in custody.
“Those two principal suspects — Pretty Mike and his manager — are being held following the seizure of the cannabis,” Babafemi said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the agency would seek forfeiture of Proxy Night Club to the Federal Government, as the property was used for illegal activities.
“Owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found hosting such events risk confiscation and forfeiture of their assets,” he warned.
The agency said those in custody will face prosecution once investigations are complete.
NDLEA Vows Tougher Crackdown on “Drug Parties”
Babafemi condemned the trend of promoting and attending drug-themed parties, describing it as an “act of criminality”.
“Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming or distributing illicit substances is a crime,” he said. “The organisers even printed flyers to incite people to commit crime. That’s an affront to Nigeria’s law enforcement.”
The NDLEA said it would intensify surveillance in Lagos and other states, adding that property owners who knowingly allow drug-related events would lose their assets.
“We will apply the full weight of the law,” Babafemi said.
The agency urged parents, religious and community leaders to stay alert and report suspicious nightlife activities. “Nigeria is facing a high rate of drug abuse, especially among youths,” he added. “These parties only worsen the crisis and recruit new users.”
Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, has seen a surge in such parties where Loud, ecstasy, and other psychoactive substances are openly consumed.
Many of these events, often promoted by influencers and celebrities, have drawn the attention of the NDLEA in recent months. Similar raids have been conducted in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, targeting lounges and event centres used for drug-related gatherings.
Analysts say the agency’s latest operation sends a strong signal that no entertainment brand is above the law. But can the NDLEA tame Lagos nightlife, where drug culture often hides behind music, glitter, and fame?
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