Court orders interim forfeiture of Pretty Mike’s nightclub over ‘drug storage, distribution’

A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the temporary forfeiture of Proxy Lagos, a popular nightclub owned by socialite Pretty Mike.

Musa Kakaki, the presiding judge, granted the order on Monday following an ex-parte motion filed by Buhari Abdullahi, counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The motion was heard and granted in the absence of the club’s owner.

The NDLEA’s application sought the interim seizure of the Victoria Island nightclub, alleging it was used as a base for illicit drug activities.

According to the agency, the premises — co-owned by Joachim Hillary — were used to store a significant quantity of controlled substances.

These included 169 cylinders (384.662kg) of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and 200 grams of cannabis sativa.

The agency contended that the club served as a “hub for storing and distributing the substances in preparation for a planned drug party”.

Arguing that the property was an “instrumentality of crime,” Abdullahi requested the court to suspend all activities at the venue to preserve it pending the conclusion of investigations.

In a supporting affidavit deposed by Nasiru Garba Bungudu, NDLEA deputy commander, the agency alleged that while Pretty Mike is the owner, Joachim Hillary, his co-owner, is directly involved in the sale and distribution of drugs.

The affidavit further stated that laboratory tests confirmed the seized substances were controlled drugs and that the club had long operated as a hub for drug use and illegal trade with the owner’s consent.

After reviewing the NDLEA’s filings, Kakaki granted the interim forfeiture order, effectively suspending all operations at the nightclub.

The case has been adjourned until January 28, 2026, for further proceedings.

The court order follows the arrest of Pretty Mike and over 100 other individuals during a raid on the nightclub on October 26.(The Cable)