The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has auctioned six forfeited properties linked to drug trafficking, as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate financial incentives behind drug crimes. The public auction, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, included participants from civil society, the media, and government bodies.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by Secretary Shadrack Haruna, said the auction served both as punishment and deterrence. He affirmed that the agency is committed to neutralising criminal proceeds through legal forfeiture, in line with due process.
Of the eight properties slated for auction across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun, two in Lekki and Ikorodu were excluded due to ongoing appeals. Only two of the six auctioned properties were sold, generating over ₦139 million.
Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch praised the NDLEA’s transparent process, while NDLEA’s Director of Proceeds of Crime Management, Jerry Iorwa Aernan, assured that all auctioneers were vetted by the Bureau of Public Procurement to prevent misuse or asset return to offenders.
Successful bidders are required to pay 10% of their bid within 14 days, with full payment due within a specified timeframe.