The Federal High Court in Lagos has dealt a major blow to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), dismissing its attempt to stop the reopening of Proxy Night Club, owned by Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, on Wednesday, refused the NDLEA’s application seeking a stay of execution of the court’s December 5, 2025 ruling which ordered the unsealing of the Victoria Island nightclub pending appeal.
The judge ruled that the anti-drug agency failed to show the “special and exceptional circumstances” required by law to justify a stay of execution.
He further held that the NDLEA made a fatal error by seeking to stay the December 5 ruling without applying to stay the earlier November 28 decision upon which it was based, describing the omission as a “crucial lapse.”
Justice Lewis-Allagoa also faulted the agency for abuse of court process and forum shopping, noting that the prosecution had previously admitted to such conduct, as reflected in the court’s records.
According to the court, none of the grounds raised in the NDLEA’s notices of appeal was substantial enough to warrant halting the reopening of the club, adding that despite claiming the appeal was on a fast-track basis, the agency had shown little urgency in compiling records.
“In the final analysis, the application is brought in bad faith, lacks substance and is devoid of merit,” the judge ruled, dismissing the motion.
The case stems from a midnight raid carried out by NDLEA operatives on October 26, 2025, at Proxy Night Club, during which Pretty Mike and over 100 guests were arrested over alleged drug-related offences.
The suspects were later arraigned, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on November 7, 2025.
Following the raid, the NDLEA sought an interim forfeiture of the nightclub, claiming it was used for drug activities. The court rejected the request, citing the constitutional presumption of innocence, and ordered the premises unsealed.
In a fresh twist, the court also ordered that contempt proceedings be served on the NDLEA Chairman through substituted means for allegedly disobeying court orders.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa warned the NDLEA leadership to comply fully with the court’s directive on the reopening of the nightclub.
The case was adjourned to February 9 and 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
