Federal High Court Dismisses NDLEA Bid to Stop Proxy Night Club Reopening
The Federal High Court in Lagos has rejected the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) attempt to prevent the reopening of Proxy Night Club, Victoria Island, ordering that contempt proceedings be served on the NDLEA Chairman by substituted means.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa delivered the ruling on Wednesday, dismissing the agency’s motion seeking to stay the execution of the court’s December 5, 2025, order that directed the nightclub to be unsealed while the appeal was pending. The court emphasized that the NDLEA had failed to demonstrate the “special and exceptional circumstances” required to justify such a stay.
The NDLEA had applied on December 10, 2025, supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and notices of appeal. The nightclub’s owners opposed the motion, submitting a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss it. In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa described the application as being marred by “abuse of court process” and forum shopping, citing lapses in the agency’s legal filings, including its failure to stay the earlier November 28, 2025, decision upon which the December order was based.
The judge noted that the prosecution had not compiled records promptly for the appeal despite it being designated a fast-track case. He concluded that the NDLEA’s motion was filed in bad faith, lacked merit, and was devoid of substance.
The case stems from a raid by the NDLEA at Proxy Night Club on October 26, 2025, during which Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and over 100 guests were arrested on alleged drug-related activities. Those arrested were arraigned on charges, which they denied, and were granted bail on November 7, 2025.
Following the raid, the NDLEA sought an interim forfeiture of the nightclub in a motion ex parte on November 28, 2025, claiming the property was being used for drug activities. Justice Lewis-Allagoa rejected that application, citing the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, and ordered the club to be unsealed.
In Wednesday’s ruling, the court also issued an order of substituted service, directing that Form 48, which notifies the consequences of disobeying court orders, be served on the NDLEA Chairman. Justice Lewis-Allagoa further admonished the Chairman to comply fully and promptly with the court’s existing orders regarding the reopening of Proxy Night Club.
The trial has been adjourned to February 9 and 10, 2026, for continuation, as the legal battle surrounding the nightclub’s alleged involvement in drug-related activities continues.
