News
Court frees Pretty Mike As NDLEA fails to prove drug allegations
A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi on Wednesday discharged popular nightclub owner, Pretty Mike, and his supervisor, Joachim Hillary, after ruling that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency failed to prove its case against them.
The trial judge, Ambrose Lewis-Alagoa, upheld the defendants’ no-case submission, effectively bringing the drug-related prosecution to an end at the preliminary stage.
Pretty Mike and Hillary had been facing charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of hard drugs, and allegedly allowing illicit drug activities at Proxy Lagos nightclub located in Victoria Island.
However, the court found that the evidence presented by the NDLEA was insufficient to establish a case requiring the defendants to enter a defence, leading to their discharge.
According to the NDLEA, during an October 26 raid, officers recovered 169 cylinders of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) weighing 384.662 kilograms, plus 200 grams of cannabis sativa.
The agency said the recovered substances were for an illegal drug party. They also wanted forfeiture of the club as an “instrumentality of crime”.
However, defence counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), filed a no-case submission. He argued that prosecutors presented no credible or admissible evidence directly linking his clients to the alleged offences.
He further argued that the prosecution failed to establish ownership, control, or knowledge of the alleged substances by the defendants.
Ruling, Alagoa agreed with the defence. He held that the prosecution’s evidence did not meet the minimum standard required to sustain the charges.
The judge upheld the no-case submission and discharged both Pretty Mike and Hillary. He did not call on them to enter their defence.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Algerian fans run riot after 2-0 loss to Enugu Rangers, vandalize stadium
“I saw Akpabio at the State House begging Tinubu to keep his position” — Jake Epelle
FG defends fiscal reforms as World Bank flags ₦7.7tn debt interest
2027: “Which North? North Korea or North Carolina?” Nigerians mock politicians promising Tinubu Northern votes
2027: Eight Zamfara lawmakers set to return to APC after meeting Tinubu
‘You will pay taxes beyond your capacity in 2027 if Tinubu is reelected’ – Sen. Kingibe warns Nigerians
N126.46bn election funds: SERAP drags INEC to court, demands accountability
2027: Wike, Rivers lawmakers visit Fubara as reconciliation efforts continue
Katsina wealth workers call off 7-day warning strike after Gov Radda’s intervention
Trump backs Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election
2027 elections: INEC under fire over omission of governorship candidates
Wike, Akpabio, Uzodimma: Unity at the podium, rival ambitions behind the Scenes? can Tinubu keep his associates together?
Real reason we removed universities from IPPIS, recruitment waiver – FG
Macron condemns looting, vandalism during cost-of-living protests in France
Lagos State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
2027: Tinubu must be stopped, ‘even Buhari saw him as bad news’ — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
COAS arrives Borno as Military moves to clear terrorist camps, rescue abductees
Buhari backed Osinbajo’s presidential ambition four times, Akande tells Babachir Lawal
Macky Sall quits race for UN Secretary-General position
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
2027: ‘APM will beat Tinubu in 12 battleground states’ – Makinde’s campaign team
Dr. Benjamins‑Laniyi urges media to amplify women’s leadership, adopt gender‑sensitive reporting
