The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday, 29th July 2025, conducted a public auction of forfeited properties linked to convicted drug traffickers. The properties were either acquired with proceeds of drug trafficking or used in committing the crimes.

The auction, held at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja, was witnessed by pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organizations, members of the media, and officials of other government agencies.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, emphasized that the exercise is part of the Agency’s strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders of both freedom and illicit wealth—while ensuring strict adherence to legal frameworks and due process.

He stated, “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.”

A total of eight properties located in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states were listed for auction. However, two properties in Lekki and Ikorodu (Lagos) were stepped down due to appeals filed after the auction process had commenced. The remaining six properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with two sold for over N139 million after competitive bidding above their reserved prices. The other properties either received no bids or had offers below benchmark value.

During the bidding session, Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch commended the NDLEA for conducting a transparent and credible exercise that aligns with international best practices. He noted that the level of transparency observed reflects a strong institutional culture of public accountability and urged the Agency to continue such efforts as a tool for public education on the consequences of drug-related crimes.

Also speaking, the Director of Proceeds of Crime Management, Mr. Jerry Iorwa Aernan, explained that all participating auctioneers had been pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had passed necessary integrity checks. He noted that this was done to ensure that assets do not find their way back to original owners through compromised channels. He further stated that successful bidders are required to pay 10 percent of their bid value within fourteen days to confirm their interest, with full payment expected within a stipulated period.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to pursuing not only the traffickers but also their assets, thereby reinforcing the agency’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics and drug-related crimes.