A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of a luxury hotel in Lekki alleged to have been acquired with the proceeds of drug trafficking and used as a hub for illicit narcotics operations.
Justice Musa Kakaki issued the ruling on Monday, placing the Extended Stay Hotel, located at No. 21, Oladimeji Alo Street, off Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, under the temporary control of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The court’s decision followed a motion filed by the NDLEA’s legal team, led by Buhari S. Abdullahi, who argued that the property served as a central operational base for a major drug trafficking syndicate.
The application, filed under suit number FHC/L/MISC/846/2025, sought an order for the preservation and attachment of the property, temporary vesting of custody in the NDLEA, and a directive to publish details of the hotel in a national newspaper to invite potential third-party claims.
During the proceedings, Abdullahi cited several provisions of the Constitution, the NDLEA Act, and the Proceeds of Crimes Recovery and Management Act, insisting that the hotel, along with its furniture, fixtures, and electronics, had been instrumental in the commission of drug-related crimes.
In support of the motion, Mr Nasiru Bagudu, a Deputy Commander of Narcotics, filed an affidavit outlining the intelligence-led operation that led to the hotel’s seizure.
According to the affidavit, NDLEA operatives received a credible tip-off in April 2025 about a drug trafficking organisation specialising in the distribution of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis sativa.
The group was allegedly operating out of the hotel and certain Lagos beach locations.
After weeks of surveillance, the NDLEA identified the hotel as the syndicate’s main base and storage hub.
The operation was reportedly headed by Victor Falugba, the owner and Chairman/CEO of Extended Stay Hotel.
On May 17, 2025, NDLEA operatives raided the property, recovering 2.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud from an apartment allegedly linked to Falugba and his associate, Edwin Joseph.
While Falugba was said to have escaped, Joseph and another suspect were arrested at the scene.
Joseph has since been arraigned and pleaded guilty to dealing in the illicit substance.
The hotel has remained sealed since the raid, with the NDLEA confirming that it was being used as a key instrument for drug trafficking activities.
After reviewing the motion and supporting evidence, Justice Kakaki ruled that the application had merit.
“I have read through the processes. The application has merit, and the same I hereby grant,” the judge declared.
The matter was adjourned until October 16, 2025, to allow time for any third-party claims before the court considers granting a final forfeiture order.
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