By Ibironke Ariyo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday auctioned properties and assets seized from drug cartels, worth millions of naira.
Speaking during the event in Abuja, the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, said the agency followed due process and transparency in the auction.
Marwa, represented by the agency’s secretary, Shadrach Haruna, said the NDLEA also ensured that prices were close to the federal government’s estimates.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the goods were seized in raids and operations across the country.
Marwa said the auction was proof of his commitment to combating drug trafficking and criminal organizations.
He emphasized the importance of the confiscation process, adding that it is a key aspect of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022.
He explained that the agency’s Crime and Trial Division manages and owns confiscated assets, ensuring that criminals do not profit from their illegal activities.
He added that properties auctioned and confiscated by federal courts from the federal government included high-value buildings and land used as tools for manufacturing medicine and housing.
He said the confiscation process deters criminals, destroys their businesses and rehabilitates people addicted to the drugs they sell.
According to him, the auction is a milestone in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
“This auction sends a strong message to drug cartels that crime does not pay,” he said.
Marwa praised the transparency of the process, adding that no member of the agency or anyone associated with the seized assets was involved in the auction.
Observers from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Civil Society Organization (CSO) praised the NDLEA for its transparency and called on the agency to continue its good work.
Some of the properties are located in Lagos, Ondo, Anambra and Adamawa
