Federal Judge Frees Pretty Mike On ₦50 Million Bail Following NDLEA Allegations Of Drug Party At Lagos Club

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail to well-known socialite and nightlife impresario Mike Nwalie, popularly called Pretty Mike, following his arraignment on allegations of drug-related offences. The court, presided over by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦50 million after listening to extensive arguments from both prosecution and defence.

The 45-year-old owner of Proxy Lagos Night Club appeared in court alongside his club supervisor, 32-year-old Joachim Hillary, to face a three-count charge brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Both men were accused of conspiracy, unlawful possession of drugs, and allowing the nightclub to be used for illicit drug activities.

Court proceedings revealed that the alleged offences were linked to a supposed “drug-themed party” held at Proxy Lagos on October 26, 2025. NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi told the court that operatives had stormed the venue following intelligence reports, leading to the recovery of a large quantity of substances believed to be narcotics. Among the items listed were 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which reportedly weighed a total of 364.662 kilograms.

The prosecution further claimed that Hillary, the nightclub’s supervisor, was found in possession of Cannabis Sativa a day before the alleged party. Abdullahi maintained that Pretty Mike was aware of the drug use within the premises and deliberately permitted the illicit activity to occur at the club, situated at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. He emphasized that such conduct contravened Sections 14(b) and 20(1)(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004, and was punishable under Sections 20(2)(b) and 12 of the same law.

Both defendants, standing before a courtroom packed with observers and media representatives, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their pleas set the stage for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle between one of Lagos’s most recognizable social figures and the nation’s drug enforcement authorities.

Defence counsel Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN) passionately urged the court to grant bail, arguing that his clients were responsible citizens who posed no flight risk. He pointed out that neither of the defendants had any prior criminal record and that their cooperation during the NDLEA’s investigation demonstrated good faith. Awosika described the charges as “unfounded and exaggerated,” insisting that his clients would appear for trial and assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

Prosecutor Abdullahi, however, objected to the bail request. He contended that the defendants had not provided adequate material evidence to justify their release and that granting bail could jeopardize the case. He urged the court to order an accelerated hearing instead, so the prosecution could present its evidence without interference.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa, in delivering his ruling, emphasized that the principle of presumption of innocence remained fundamental to the justice system. He held that the prosecution had not sufficiently demonstrated reasons to deny bail, noting that liberty should not be curtailed unless absolutely necessary. The judge consequently admitted both Pretty Mike and Hillary to bail in the sum of ₦50 million each, with two sureties in like sum. He ordered that the sureties must provide verifiable proof of financial capability through an affidavit of means.

Furthermore, the court directed that the defendants be temporarily released to their legal counsel pending the full satisfaction of the bail conditions. Justice Lewis-Allagoa urged both parties to prepare adequately for the upcoming trial, stressing the need for transparency and diligence as the case proceeds.

Outside the courtroom, reactions were mixed. Supporters of the flamboyant nightclub owner expressed relief at the decision, while some critics argued that the case highlighted the growing concern over drug-related activities within Nigeria’s entertainment and nightlife scene. The NDLEA has in recent months intensified its crackdown on the use of substances such as Cannabis Sativa and Nitrous Oxide, which are increasingly popular at high-end social gatherings.

The case has now been adjourned to January 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial. As proceedings continue, public attention remains firmly fixed on whether the allegations against Pretty Mike and his co-defendant will stand the test of evidence or collapse under the weight of scrutiny. The outcome may well serve as a defining moment for Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in entertainment establishments.