On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) hosted a public auction of forfeited properties at its National Headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant step in the Agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks. The properties, either acquired through the proceeds of drug trafficking or used to facilitate such crimes, were auctioned in line with the agency’s commitment to depriving offenders of both their illicit wealth and liberty.
The auction event attracted pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives from civil society organizations, media, and other government agencies.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, retired Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, emphasized that the auction was part of the agency’s broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks by targeting assets acquired through illicit means. He also reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to neutralizing the financial incentives of drug trafficking, stating:
“When drug traffickers know they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone,”
The auction involved eight forfeited properties located in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun. However, two properties—located in Lekki and Ikorodu—were removed from the auction process due to appeals received after proceedings had commenced.
Out of the remaining six properties, two were successfully auctioned for a combined total of over N139 million following bids above their reserved prices. Some properties, however, did not attract any bids or received offers below the expected benchmarks.
Umar Yakubu, a representative from the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended the NDLEA for conducting an open and credible process that adhered to international best practices. He praised the agency for prioritizing public accountability and called for further educational efforts to highlight the consequences of drug-related crimes.
Jerry Iorwa Aernan, the Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at NDLEA, provided assurances that only pre-qualified auctioneers from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) were involved in the sale to ensure transparency. He clarified that successful bidders must pay 10% of their bid value within 14 days, with the full payment required within a stipulated timeframe.
This public auction is part of the NDLEA’s ongoing commitment to using both legal forfeiture and public accountability to target the financial benefits of drug trafficking, further reinforcing the message that crime does not pay
