The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a public auction of forfeited houses which were either acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used for committing the crime.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.) who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, said the exercise formed part of the the anti-narcotic agency’s strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders both liberty and illicit wealth in strict compliance with legal frameworks and due process.
Marwa reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to pursue drug offenders, not only through prosecution but also by targeting all assets acquired through proceeds of crime.
“This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice. Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives that drive these crimes are neutralized through legal forfeiture.
“This serves as both punishment and deterrence. When drug traffickers know they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone,” Marwa said.
NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Tuesday said the auction involved forfeited eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States.
“Two of the houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun. Six other properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with only two sold at over N139 million following successful bids above their reserved prices. Others either failed to receive any bids or attracted offers below the benchmark,” Babademi said.
Speaking at the bidding exercise, a representative of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, Umar Yakubu commended the NDLEA for conducting an open, credible process in compliance with international best practices.
He noted that the level of transparency observed was commendable and reflective of a strong institutional culture that prioritises public accountability.
He further encouraged the agency to amplify such efforts as a public education tool to underscore the consequences of drug crimes.
