The vibrant nightlife of Lagos took an unexpected and dramatic twist in the early hours of Sunday as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stormed the popular Proxy Nightclub located in Victoria Island, arresting celebrity socialite Pretty Mike, former reality TV star Tuoyo Ideh, and several other guests.
According to an official statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the surprise raid was conducted following credible intelligence reports suggesting that certain individuals were engaging in drug-related activities within the premises of the high-profile club.
Babafemi revealed that NDLEA operatives discreetly arrived at the venue around 11 p.m. on Saturday night, blending in with the crowd to monitor suspicious behavior before launching a full-scale operation at about 3 a.m. on Sunday morning.
The raid led to the arrest of over 100 people, including the club’s management, VIP guests, and other patrons who were present during the operation. Among those detained were Pretty Mike (real name Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu), known for his eccentric fashion and flamboyant lifestyle, and Tuoyo Ideh, a former Big Brother Naija housemate and fitness coach.
Illegal Substances Recovered During Raid
NDLEA operatives reportedly recovered several prohibited drugs and illegal substances during the search, including items found on individuals and within the club’s storage section.
Femi Babafemi confirmed that all arrested individuals were immediately taken into custody for thorough screening, noting that those found culpable would face prosecution in line with the NDLEA Act.
“Our operatives acted on verified intelligence and executed the operation with precision to ensure minimal disruption while enforcing the law,” Babafemi said. “The NDLEA remains committed to ensuring that Lagos nightlife does not become a breeding ground for drug abuse and illicit trade.”
Public Reactions Trail the Raid
News of the arrests spread rapidly across social media platforms, generating massive online conversations. Many Nigerians expressed shock at the involvement of Pretty Mike and Tuoyo, while others commended the NDLEA for intensifying its clampdown on drug-related activities in entertainment circles.
Some users defended the detained celebrities, arguing that their presence at the club did not necessarily imply guilt. Others, however, maintained that celebrities must set positive examples for their fans and avoid being associated with environments that encourage drug use.
Videos and eyewitness accounts from the scene show NDLEA operatives escorting several guests into waiting vans, while the club premises were temporarily sealed for investigation.
NDLEA Reiterates Commitment to Drug-Free Lagos
In his concluding remarks, Babafemi assured that the agency would continue its mission to sanitize Lagos’ entertainment landscape and ensure that nightclubs, lounges, and event centers operate in compliance with Nigeria’s anti-drug laws.
“We are not targeting individuals; we are targeting the system that allows drugs to circulate freely under the cover of nightlife. The goal is to make entertainment spaces safe and responsible,” he said.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA has stated that updates will be made public, while those cleared after screening will be released.
Meanwhile, fans and industry watchers await official statements from Pretty Mike and Tuoyo regarding their involvement in the incident and the events that led to their arrest.
This latest operation highlights NDLEA’s renewed efforts to curb the use and distribution of illegal substances across Nigeria’s growing entertainment industry, reinforcing the message that no one is above the law.