Gbenga Adebayo
Lagos socialite Mike Nwalie, famously known as “Pretty Mike,” has been granted a ₦50 million bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos following his arraignment on narcotics-related charges. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecuted the nightlife icon alongside his club supervisor, Joachim Hillary, 32, for alleged drug offenses.
The duo appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a three-count indictment involving conspiracy, possession of banned substances, and allowing their Victoria Island nightclub, Proxy Lagos, to serve as a venue for illegal drug activities.
NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi revealed that law enforcement agents intercepted narcotics during a raid on October 26, 2025, at the upscale venue on Akin Adesola Street. Among the seized items were:
– 200 grams of cannabis
– 364.662kg of nitrous oxide (commonly called laughing gas) in 177 canisters
The prosecution further alleged that Hillary was caught with cannabis a day before the club raid. The charges stem from alleged violations of Sections 14(b), 20(1)(c), and related provisions of Nigeria’s NDLEA Act.
Both defendants entered not-guilty pleas during Thursday’s proceedings, prompting their defense team led by Dr. B.S. Awosika, SAN, to request bail. The senior advocate emphasized his clients’ clean records and community ties.
The prosecution objected, arguing for an expedited trial instead of bail. In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa maintained the presumption of innocence, setting stringent bail conditions including:
– ₦50 million bail bond each
– Two financially verified sureties per defendant
Pending bail fulfillment, the court ordered the defendants released to their legal representatives. The case will resume for trial on January 14, 2026.
Oluwaseun Adeyemi
