A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has granted ₦50 million bail each to popular socialite and nightlife promoter Mike Nwalie, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and a nightclub supervisor, Joachim Hillary, over alleged involvement in drug-related offences.
The duo, who operate at Proxy Lagos Night Club on Victoria Island, were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a three-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to court documents dated October 30, 2025, the charges include conspiracy, unlawful possession of narcotics, and permitting the use of club premises for drug activities.
The NDLEA alleged that on October 26, 2025, the defendants conspired to organise a “drug party” at the club, during which operatives recovered 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) weighing 364.662 kilograms.
While both defendants were charged with conspiracy, the agency accused Hillary individually of unlawful possession of cannabis, and Nwalie of knowingly allowing his premises to be used for drug-related activities — offences said to violate various sections of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
They both pleaded not guilty to all counts.
During proceedings, defence counsel Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN) sought bail on liberal terms, arguing the defendants had no prior criminal records and were willing to comply with court directives. NDLEA counsel Buhari Abdullahi opposed the application, urging the court to deny bail and order an accelerated hearing instead.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that the prosecution failed to provide valid reasons to deny bail, stressing that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Each defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with two sureties in like sum, who must swear to an affidavit of means. The defendants are to remain in the custody of their counsel until bail conditions are perfected.
The court adjourned the case until January 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
