By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has auctioned six forfeited properties linked to drug trafficking, reaffirming its strategy to cripple criminal networks by seizing their assets.
At the Abuja headquarters on Tuesday 29th July 2025, the public auction attracted pre-qualified bidders, civil society observers, government agencies, and the media.
Properties auctioned were located across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States. Two Lagos properties—situated in Lekki and Ikorodu, were removed due to active appeal notices.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by Agency Secretary Mr. Shadrack Haruna, declared that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to deprive drug criminals of both liberty and illicit wealth.
He stressed that the Agency’s work extends beyond prosecution, targeting financial proceeds through asset forfeiture in line with legal provisions.
He said the auction process not only punished crime but served as a deterrent by eliminating the economic incentives behind drug trafficking.
“When traffickers know they risk losing everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone,” he stated.
Out of the six auctioned properties, only two were sold above their reserve prices, earning over ₦139 million in total. Others failed to attract qualifying bids or received offers below the benchmark.
Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, who witnessed the exercise, described it as open, credible, and reflective of sound public accountability.
He urged the NDLEA to scale up such initiatives as a public education strategy against drug crimes.
Director of Proceeds of Crime Management, Jerry Iorwa Aernan, assured that all auctioneers were vetted by the Bureau of Public Procurement and passed integrity checks.
He explained that successful bidders must pay 10 percent of their bid value within fourteen days, with full payment expected within a set timeline.
The NDLEA reiterated its resolve to disrupt and dismantle the economic foundation of drug trafficking operations nationwide through rigorous enforcement and transparent asset disposal.
