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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held a public auction yesterday for houses that were forfeited due to being purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking or used in the commission of drug-related crimes.
The event, which took place at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, attracted pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives from civil society organizations, media personnel, and other government agencies.
At the event, NDLEA's Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig-Gen Mohammed Marwa (rtd), emphasized that this auction is part of the agency's strategic efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations by removing not only the freedom but also the illicit wealth of offenders, adhering to legal frameworks and due process.
Represented by NDLEA Secretary, Shadrack Haruna, he reasserted the commitment to pursue drug offenders through prosecution and by targeting assets gained from criminal activities.
He stated, “This auction reflects our dedication to transparency and justice. In addition to prosecuting offenders, we aim to eliminate the financial rewards that encourage these crimes through legal forfeiture.
This acts as both punishment and a deterrent. When drug traffickers realize they risk losing everything, including their ill-gotten gains, it conveys a more powerful message than imprisonment alone.”
The auction involved the forfeiture of eight properties located in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun. Two houses in the Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were withdrawn from the auction due to appeals received after the process began.
Six properties were auctioned, with two selling for over N139 million, following bids that exceeded their reserve prices. The other properties either did not attract any bids or received offers lower than the benchmark.
During the auction, Umar Yakubu from the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch praised the NDLEA for conducting an open, credible process that aligns with international standards.
He commended the level of transparency observed, reflecting an institutional culture that prioritizes public accountability, and encouraged the agency to promote such initiatives as a means of educating the public about the consequences of drug-related offenses.
Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, Jerry Aernan, noted that auctioneers were pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had undergone necessary integrity checks to prevent the return of disposed assets to their original owners covertly.
He highlighted that successful bidders are required to pay 10 percent of their bid value within 14 days to secure their interest, with full payment expected within a specified timeframe.
