Lekki Property At Centre Of Drug Ring Forfeited To FG

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of Extended Stay Hotel in Lekki, allegedly acquired with proceeds of drug trafficking.

Justice Musa Kakaki granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The property, located at 21 Oladimeji Alo Street, off Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, was linked to suspected drug kingpin, Victor Falugba, who the NDLEA said used the hotel as a base for trafficking and storage of narcotics.

According to court documents, operatives raided the hotel on May 17, 2025, and recovered 2.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, from Falugba’s apartment. While Falugba escaped, two of his associates were arrested, including Edwin Joseph, who has since been charged in case number FHC/L/491c/2025 and pleaded guilty to drug dealing.

Counsel to the NDLEA, Buhari S. Abdullahi, argued that the hotel was both purchased with proceeds of crime and actively used to facilitate illicit drug operations. He urged the court to preserve the hotel and its assets—including furniture, fixtures, and appliances—pending the conclusion of the case.

In an affidavit, NDLEA officer Nasiru Bagudu stated that surveillance confirmed the hotel served as Falugba’s operational base. He added that no individual has come forward to claim ownership since it was sealed on May 17. The confiscated substances, he said, tested positive for cannabis sativa.

Justice Kakaki held that the application had merit and granted the interim forfeiture. He further directed that details of the property be published in a national newspaper for 14 days to allow any interested party to file a claim.

If no valid claim is made, the NDLEA will seek a final forfeiture order in favour of the Federal Government.

The case was adjourned to October 16, 2025, for further hearing.