NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Drug Traffickers’ Properties in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun
Targeting Proceeds of Crime Will Serve as Punishment and Deterrence – Marwa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday, 29th July 2025, conducted a public auction of forfeited properties that were either acquired through the proceeds of drug trafficking or used as tools in the commission of drug-related crimes.
The auction, held at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja, featured the participation of pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organizations, the media, and officials from other government agencies.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, said the exercise was part of NDLEA’s strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by stripping offenders of both their freedom and their illicit wealth, in full compliance with legal procedures and due process.
He reiterated the Agency’s determination to go beyond prosecution by also targeting assets acquired through criminal proceeds.
“This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice,” Marwa stated. “Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives driving 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.”
The auction involved eight forfeited properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states. Two of the properties, located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos, were removed from the process following the receipt of notices of appeal after the auction procedures had already commenced.
The remaining six properties were offered to pre-qualified bidders. However, only two were successfully sold at bids totaling over ₦139 million, exceeding their reserved prices. The other properties either received no bids or attracted offers below the benchmark values.
Also speaking at the event, Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch commended the NDLEA for conducting a process that was transparent, credible, and in line with international best practices. He praised the Agency’s commitment to public accountability and encouraged the NDLEA to continue using such exercises as public education tools to highlight the consequences of drug crimes.
In his remarks, the Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, Mr. Jerry Iorwa Aernan, explained that all participating auctioneers were pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and passed required integrity checks. He emphasized that the Agency is committed to preventing any scenario in which forfeited assets might be returned to their original criminal owners through the back door.
He added that successful bidders are required to pay 10 percent of their bid value within 14 days to confirm interest, while full payment must be made within the stipulated timeframe.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Tuesday, 29th July 2025
