By Sarah Achile
In a decisive move to dismantle the financial strongholds of Nigeria’s drug cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has begun auctioning properties forfeited by convicted traffickers, reinforcing its dual commitment to justice and deterrence.
The public auction, held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, featured eight properties previously seized in connection with drug-related crimes across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States.
According to a statement from Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the Agency, the properties were either directly used in the commission of drug crimes or acquired with proceeds from illicit drug trafficking. The exercise was closely monitored by pre-qualified auctioneers, independent civil society groups, government representatives, and members of the press to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking on behalf of NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, described the auction as a strategic step in cutting off the economic oxygen that sustains drug criminality in Nigeria.
Of the eight properties listed, two located in Lekki and Ikorodu, Lagos—were pulled from the sale due to notices of appeal filed during the auction process. Among the six remaining, two were successfully sold for a combined total exceeding ₦139 million, while others received no bids or offers below their benchmark values.
A Transparent, Credible Process
Independent observers at the event praised the NDLEA’s approach. Umar Yakubu, representing the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, lauded the agency for conducting a “credible, professional, and corruption-free” auction.
Jerry Iorwa Aernan, Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, explained that all participating auctioneers were vetted by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and cleared through integrity checks. This, he stressed, was to prevent fronting or re-acquisition of properties by former owners.
Under the auction terms, successful bidders are required to make an initial 10% payment within 14 days, with the balance due within a defined timeframe to complete ownership transfer.
This event forms part of NDLEA’s larger strategy to enforce the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, empowering agencies to recover and repurpose assets gained through criminal activity.
“This is not just about selling property,” Aernan added. “It’s about breaking the economic backbone of the drug trade.”
