The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday held a public auction of properties forfeited by convicted drug traffickers, as part of its intensified efforts to strip criminals of the proceeds of crime and deter future offenders.
The auction, which took place at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, involved six properties located across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states. According to the agency, the properties were either acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or directly used in the commission of drug-related crimes.
“This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice,” said NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), in a statement delivered by Agency Secretary Shadrack Haruna. “Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives that drive these crimes are neutralized through legal forfeiture.”
He added: “Targeting proceeds of crime 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.”
Eight properties were initially listed for auction. However, two houses located in the Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were withdrawn from the process following notices of appeal. Of the remaining six, two properties were successfully sold for a combined total exceeding N139 million, while others either attracted no interest or bids below the reserve price.
Observers from civil society organizations, the media, and other government agencies were present to witness the auction, which was conducted by pre-qualified auctioneers certified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Umar Yakubu, representative of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, lauded the NDLEA for conducting what he described as an “open and credible process” that aligned with international standards.
“This level of transparency is commendable and reflects a strong institutional culture of accountability,” Yakubu said. “Public auctions like this should be amplified as educational tools to emphasize the real-life consequences of drug crimes.”
Also speaking, Jerry Iorwa Aernan, Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, assured that measures were in place to prevent the illicit return of assets to their original owners. He noted that successful bidders are required to pay 10% of their winning bid within 14 days, with the full balance due within a stipulated time frame.
Tuesday’s exercise is part of the NDLEA’s growing portfolio of supply-side enforcement and asset recovery under the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which seeks to confront drug trafficking through a combination of law enforcement, public education, and legal accountability.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
