High-Profile Bail Approval for Lagos Nightclub Owner
A prominent figure in Lagos’s social scene, Mike Nwalie—better known as Pretty Mike—has been released on a substantial bail of ₦50 million following allegations of drug-related offenses. The decision was made by the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the nightclub owner and his club supervisor, Joachim Hillary, were charged with multiple counts related to drug activities.
Pretty Mike, who is the proprietor of Proxy Lagos Night Club, was brought before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa along with Hillary, 32 years old. The two faced three charges: conspiracy, unlawful possession of drugs, and allowing the use of their establishment for illegal drug activities.
The prosecution, represented by Buhari Abdullahi, stated that the alleged offenses occurred around October 26, 2025, at No. 7, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the defendants organized a drug party at the nightclub, during which law enforcement officers recovered significant quantities of illicit substances.
Among the items seized were 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), which together weighed 364.662 kilograms. Additionally, Hillary was found in possession of 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa without any legal justification. Pretty Mike was accused of facilitating drug activities at his club.
The prosecution argued that these actions violated Sections 14(b) and 20(1)(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Both defendants entered not guilty pleas during the hearing.
Their legal representative, Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN), requested that the court grant bail on favorable terms. He emphasized that neither defendant had prior criminal records and would be available for the trial. However, the prosecution opposed this request, urging the court to expedite the proceedings instead.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa noted that the defendants were presumed innocent until proven guilty. He also pointed out that the prosecution had not provided sufficient reasons to deny bail. As a result, the judge granted each defendant ₦50 million bail, with two sureties required to provide an equivalent amount. These sureties were also ordered to swear an affidavit of means.
The defendants were released into the custody of their counsel while they fulfilled the conditions of their bail. The case was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for further proceedings.