The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a final court order for the forfeiture of a multi-billion naira 80-room hotel and several high-value assets in Victoria Island, Lagos, tied to an international drug trafficking syndicate.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency described the development as a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
According to Babafemi, the luxury hotel, located at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse Road, Victoria Island, was used as a front for drug distribution. NDLEA operatives stormed the premises between April 25 and April 26, uncovering 589 bags of Canadian Loud — a potent variant of cannabis — weighing 417.3 kilograms and valued at over ₦1.042 billion on the streets.
Assets Recovered and Forfeited
Alongside the hotel, several vehicles, electronics, and home appliances were seized and ordered forfeited, including:
Toyota Sienna (KJA 79 HJ)
Volkswagen Delivery Van (AAA 525 JE)
KIA Ceranto (BDG 860 GQ)
Land Cruiser Prado (AKD 472 DZ)
Grand Caravan Dodge (APP 847 YF)
White Mazda Bus (KTU 241 AAA)
Mercedes Benz Truck (ASB 500 XY)
Toyota Corolla (EKY 295 JT)
Ash-coloured Sienna Mini Bus
84 Television Sets
70 Air Conditioners
13 Brand New Refrigerators
Babafemi noted that the final forfeiture orders were issued on July 18, 2025, by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court, following motion FHC/L/MISC/447/2025 filed by the NDLEA.
Marwa Hails Judiciary, Vows More Action
Reacting to the court’s decision, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), lauded the agency’s legal team and praised the judiciary for acting swiftly to support national anti-drug efforts.
“Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when criminals are made to forfeit everything acquired through the proceeds of their illicit drug trade,” Marwa stated.
He emphasized that such rulings not only strengthen deterrence but also energize the agency’s personnel, inspiring greater commitment to the fight against narcotics.
“We are pleased with this outcome, and it sends a strong message: drug crime doesn’t pay.”
The NDLEA reaffirmed its resolve to pursue criminal networks and dismantle the financial structures that enable drug trafficking, while urging continued public support in its efforts to safeguard communities across the country.
