The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted ₦50 million bail to popular socialite and nightclub owner Mike Nwalie, widely known as Pretty Mike, following his arraignment on allegations of drug-related offences.
Pretty Mike, who owns Proxy Lagos Night Club, was charged alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary (32). Both men were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on Thursday on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful drug possession, and permitting the use of the nightclub for drug activities.
NDLEA’s Allegations
Prosecutors from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led by Buhari Abdullahi, alleged that the offences occurred around October 26, 2025, at Proxy Lagos, located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island.
According to court documents, NDLEA operatives claimed to have recovered:
* 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa, and
* 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) weighing 364.662 kilograms
The agency alleged that the items were discovered during a raid at the nightclub, which was allegedly used to host a “drug party.”
Additionally, the NDLEA accused Hillary of being in possession of Cannabis Sativa a day earlier, on October 25, 2025.
Court Proceedings
Pretty Mike, aged 45, was specifically accused of “knowingly allowing his nightclub to be used for illegal drug-related activities.”
Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Their alleged offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 14(b) and 20(1)(c) and are punishable under Sections 20(2)(b) and 12 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
Bail Hearing and Ruling
Following the plea, the defence counsel, Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN), urged the court to grant his clients bail on “liberal and reasonable terms,” arguing that they have no prior criminal record and are not flight risks.
The prosecution opposed the application, claiming the defendants had not provided enough evidence to justify bail, and instead sought an accelerated trial.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that both defendants remained presumed innocent until proven guilty, emphasizing that it was the prosecution’s duty to show compelling reasons to deny bail.
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He therefore granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties in like sum, who must also swear an affidavit of means.
The judge further directed that the defendants be temporarily released to their counsel pending the full completion of bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
