Lagos, Kano… NDLEA auctions drug traffickers’ forfeited properties in four states

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has auctioned forfeited houses, which were either acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as an instrumentality of committing the crime.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the exercise took place at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Babafemi said pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organisations, and other government agencies were involved in the exercise.

He said the auction involved eight forfeited properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states.

“Two of the houses located in the Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, who was represented by Shadrack Haruna, the agency’s secretary, said the exercise is part of the strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders of both liberty and illicit wealth in strict compliance with legal frameworks and due process.

“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 neutralised through legal forfeiture,” Marwa said.

“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.”

Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch commended the NDLEA for conducting a process that was “open, credible, and compliant with international best practices”.

Yakubu 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.