- Justice Lewis-Allagoa further faulted the NDLEA for not seeking a stay of execution on an earlier ruling issued on November 28
- the order directing that Proxy Night Club be unsealed remains in force, effectively clearing the venue to reopen
- Meanwhile, hearing in the substantive criminal matter is scheduled to continue on February 9 and 10
The Federal High Court in Lagos has given the green light for Proxy Night Club, owned by Lagos socialite Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, to reopen for business after rejecting attempts to keep the facility sealed.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa dismissed a fresh application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking to halt the execution of an earlier court order that permitted the unsealing of the Victoria Island nightclub pending the outcome of an appeal.
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The judge ruled that the anti-drug agency failed to satisfy the legal requirements necessary to suspend the decision delivered on December 5, 2025, which authorised the reopening of the club.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa further faulted the NDLEA for not seeking a stay of execution on an earlier ruling issued on November 28, which formed the foundation for the December order. According to the court, this omission significantly weakened the agency’s application.
The court also held that the grounds listed by the NDLEA in its notice of appeal were insufficient to justify preventing the nightclub from resuming operations.
With the ruling, the order directing that Proxy Night Club be unsealed remains in force, effectively clearing the venue to reopen.
The case stems from a late-night raid carried out by NDLEA operatives on October 26, 2025, during which Pretty Mike and over 100 patrons were arrested over alleged drug-related offences.
Those arrested were subsequently arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail on November 7, 2025.
Following the operation, the NDLEA approached the court seeking an interim forfeiture of the nightclub, alleging that the premises were connected to drug activities. The request was dismissed, with the court relying on the principle that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
At the latest hearing, the court also granted an application for substituted service in a contempt proceeding against the NDLEA Chairman over alleged disobedience of court orders, warning the agency to ensure full compliance with all judicial directives.
Meanwhile, the hearing in the substantive criminal matter is scheduled to continue on February 9 and 10.
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