High-Profile Case Involves Entertainer and Nightclub Owner
A prominent figure in Lagos’s entertainment scene, Mike Nwalie, also known as Pretty Mike, has been granted a bail of N50 million after being arraigned in the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of drug-related offenses. The case involves both Nwalie and Joachim Hillary, the club’s supervisor, who were charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on behalf of the Nigerian government.
The two individuals appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, facing three counts related to conspiracy, unlawful possession, and allowing the use of their premises for illegal drug activities. According to the prosecution, the alleged offenses occurred on or around October 26, 2025, at Proxy Lagos Night Club, located at No. 7, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Alleged Drug Activities at the Nightclub
The NDLEA’s prosecution counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, stated that during a subsequent operation, agents recovered 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), which weighed a total of 364.662 kilograms. Abdullahi further claimed that the second defendant, Hillary, was found in possession of 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority on or about October 25, 2025.
Nwalie, who is 45 years old, was accused of allowing his nightclub to be used for drug-related activities. The prosecution argued that these actions violated Sections 14(b), 20(1)(c), and were punishable under Section 20(2)(b) and 12 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Application
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Following their plea, Abdullahi requested a trial date, while the defense counsel, Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN), submitted a bail application on behalf of his clients. Awosika emphasized that neither defendant had a prior criminal record and would be available for trial if released.
He argued that the prosecution had not provided any compelling reasons to deny bail, urging the court to grant it on liberal terms. However, Abdullahi opposed the request, stating that the defendants had not presented sufficient material facts to justify the release. He called for an accelerated hearing instead.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa noted that the defendants were presumed innocent until proven guilty. He emphasized that the burden of proof lay with the prosecution to show valid reasons for refusing bail. Based on this, the judge granted each defendant a bail of N50 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. The sureties were ordered to swear an affidavit of means.
The defendants were released to their counsel pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. The case was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
Key Points from the Case
- The entertainer and nightclub owner, Mike Nwalie, was arraigned for drug-related offenses.
- The case involves allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and allowing the use of the club premises for drug activities.
- The NDLEA recovered significant quantities of drugs during an operation at the nightclub.
- Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- The court granted bail to both parties, with specific conditions set for their release.
- The trial is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026.