July 29, (THEWILL) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday auctioned forfeited properties linked to drug trafficking, as part of its broader strategy to strip drug offenders of both liberty and illicit wealth.
The public auction, held at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, involved eight properties located in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states.
The exercise drew the participation of pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organisations, the media, and other government agencies.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the sale of forfeited assets is aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks through both prosecution and financial incapacitation.
Marwa, who was represented by the Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, emphasised that the NDLEA remains committed to due process and the legal framework guiding asset forfeiture.
Marwa said: “This auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice. Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are determined to neutralise the financial incentives that fuel these crimes.
“Confiscating ill-gotten assets serves as both punishment and deterrence. When traffickers know they can lose everything, it sends a message stronger than imprisonment alone.”
Of the eight properties listed, two—located in Lekki and Ikorodu, Lagos—were withdrawn following notices of appeal filed after the auction process had begun. Six other properties were offered to pre-qualified bidders.
Two were successfully sold for over N139 million, having attracted bids above their reserve prices, while others received no offers or bids below the benchmark.
Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch praised the NDLEA for conducting what he described as an open, credible, and transparent process that aligns with international best practices.
He urged the agency to continue using such exercises as public enlightenment tools on the consequences of drug-related crimes.
Also speaking, NDLEA’s Director of Proceeds of Crime Management, Jerry Iorwa Aernan, said the auctioneers were thoroughly screened and pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to ensure accountability and prevent assets from being reclaimed through backdoor channels.
He added that successful bidders are required to make a 10 per cent down payment within 14 days to confirm their interest, with full payment to be completed within a specified timeframe.
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