Michael Olugbode in Abuja

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a public auction of forfeited houses, which were either acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as instruments for committing the crime.

The exercise, which took place on Tuesday at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja, had pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organisations, the media, and other government agencies in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the exercise was part of the agency’s strategic effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders both liberty and illicit wealth in strict compliance with legal frameworks and due process.

Represented by NDLEA’s Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to pursue drug offenders not only through prosecution but also by targeting all assets acquired through proceeds of crime.

He said, “This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice. Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives that drive these crimes are neutralized through legal forfeiture.

“This serves as both punishment and deterrence. When drug traffickers know they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone.”

The auction involved forfeited eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun. Two of the houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun.

Six other properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with only two sold at over N139 million following successful bids above their reserved prices. Others either failed to receive any bids or attracted offers below the benchmark.

Speaking at the bidding exercise, Umar Yakubu of Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended NDLEA for conducting a process that was open, credible, and compliant with international best practices.

Yakubu stated that the level of transparency observed was commendable and reflective of a strong institutional culture that prioritised public accountability.

He encouraged the agency to amplify such efforts as a public education tool to underscore the consequences of drug crimes.

In his remarks, Director, Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, Jerry Aernan, said participating auctioneers were pre-qualified by Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had met the required integrity checks to ensure that disposed assets were not returned to original owners through the back door.

He emphasised that successful bidders must pay 10 per cent of their bid value within 14 days to confirm their interest, while the full payment was expected within a stipulated timeframe.

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