Court Orders Forfeiture Of Lekki Hotel Linked To Drug Trafficking
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture order for a hotel in Lekki, Lagos, alleged to have been acquired with the proceeds of drug trafficking and used as a hub for illicit activities.
The ruling by Justice Musa Kakaki on Monday placed the Extended Stay Hotel, located at No. 21, Oladimeji Alo, off Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, under the temporary control of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The order follows a motion filed by the NDLEA’s legal team, led by Buhari S. Abdullahi, who argued that the property was a key operational base for a major drug trafficking organisation.
sought a preservation and attachment order, a vesting of custody to the NDLEA, and a directive to publish details of the property in a national daily newspaper to allow for third-party claims.
During the court proceedings, Abdullahi referenced multiple sections of the Constitution, the NDLEA Act, and the Proceeds of Crimes Recovery and Management Act to buttress his request.
He specifically asked the court to grant an order of preservation for the hotel, along with its furniture, fittings, fixtures, and electronics, arguing they were instrumental in the commission of drug offences.
In a sworn affidavit supporting the motion, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr Nasiru Bagudu, provided a detailed account of the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the court action.
According to the affidavit, the NDLEA received a credible tip-off in April 2025 about a drug trafficking organisation specialising in the distribution of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis sativa, and financing other drug activities from the Extended Stay Hotel and surrounding Lagos beaches.
The affidavit revealed that following a period of surveillance, NDLEA operatives identified the hotel as the group’s main base and a storage facility for its illicit goods.
The drug trafficking organisation, the affidavit stated, was headed by one Victor Falugba, who is also the owner and Chairman/CEO of the hotel.
On May 17, 2025, NDLEA operatives raided the property, recovering 2.5 kilograms of “Canadian Loud” from an apartment allegedly belonging to Falugba and his syndicate member, Edwin Joseph.
While Falugba was said to have managed to evade arrest, Edwin Joseph and another individual were apprehended at the scene.
Joseph has since been charged in court and has pleaded guilty to the offence of dealing in 2.5 kilograms of the substance.
The affidavit further established that the property, which has been under seal since the day of the raid, belongs to the fugitive drug kingpin, Falugba.
The affidavit equally confirmed that the hotel was being actively used as a base and an instrument for committing drug offences.
