Pretty Mike Claims NDLEA Raid Crashed Proxy Nightclub, Cost Him Over N3bn

Lagos socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, has revealed that the October 2025 raid on his Proxy Nightclub by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency caused him losses exceeding N3 billion.

Pretty Mike made the disclosure while reflecting on the financial and emotional impact of the controversial operation that led to the arrest of over 100 suspects, including himself, following allegations that the club was set to host a “drug party.”

During the raid, NDLEA operatives reportedly recovered cartons of illicit substances, including a strain of cannabis known as “loud” and laughing gas, both from suspects and the club’s storage facility.

Following the operation, the anti-narcotics agency filed a forfeiture suit against the nightclub, while Pretty Mike and the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary, were arraigned on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession and permitting illegal drug activities within the premises. He was later granted N50 million bail by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Speaking on the economic impact, Pretty Mike said the damages extended far beyond the raid itself.

“I lost easily over two or three billion naira. There was destruction everywhere that night. Furniture, doors and equipment were damaged, while customers left without paying,” he said.

According to him, the club remained shut for nine months, leading to massive revenue losses, legal expenses and the cost of rebuilding the brand.

He explained that the club underwent major renovations, including upgraded lighting and sound systems, new interiors and fresh entertainment concepts aimed at restoring public confidence.

Pretty Mike also opened up about the inspiration behind his often controversial public stunts, insisting many of the ideas come to him spontaneously and sometimes carry deeper social messages.

Using his viral “pregnant women stunt” as an example, he said the experience exposed him to the struggles many pregnant women face, including abandonment, rejection and lack of proper healthcare.

“That experience changed my perspective completely. I realised society discriminates heavily against pregnant women,” he said.

The socialite further disclosed that he never informs event organisers before carrying out dramatic appearances or stunts, noting that surprise remains a key element of his performance style.

According to him, some people even offer him money to create spectacle at their events, though he rarely accepts such requests.

“As for the criticism, I understand it. But I see stunts as entertainment and performance art,” he added.