Lagos socialite and nightclub owner Mike Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, has confirmed the reopening of his nightclub, Proxy Lagos, nearly seven months after it was shut down following a raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
In a video shared via Instagram on Tuesday, the nightlife figure spoke about the difficult period that followed the incident, which also coincided with the loss of his father.
“Hello everyone, hope you are doing fine. It’s been a minute since I’ve been on this space. I believe you all know there comes a moment in life when everything should actually just come to a pulse or an end,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal loss, he added, “For me, that moment was burying my father, my hero.
“Beyond the lights, the camera, the grand entrance, I’m still human and that event just broke me in ways that I’m still learning or trying to understand. I came back to Hill to rebuild Proxy Lagos, my dream, my passion, my hustle, my vision.”
Pretty Mike also recounted the impact of the NDLEA operation, describing it as a major setback for his business and reputation.
“Here’s that I walked into a storm, the raid, a nightmare, an emotional earthquake that shook my team, my family, my partners, my world, my staff, my clients, Lagos as a whole, my name dragged, my brand smeared, doors shut on me.
“But this is what I’ve learned. There is a God. Pain doesn’t define you. Storm doesn’t end you. Setback doesn’t define your destiny.”
He described the reopening of Proxy Lagos as more than just a return to business, but a shared victory with supporters.
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“Proxy has been cleared to reopen. Now I need you. Proxy is more than a nightclub. It’s a culture. It’s a vibe. It’s where Lagos comes alive. If you celebrated with us, built with us, believed in us, stood with us, this is the comeback. This is me and you rebuilding our brand.
“This is rising after grief. Let’s take these announcements louder than the silence they have tried to impose. Let’s make this stronger than the pain. Help me put back smile on people’s faces. Proxy Lagos is here.”
In the caption accompanying the video, he expressed appreciation to those who stood by him during the challenging period.
“Seven months ago, my world fell apart. From the pain of losing my father to the crushing blow that hit my business, #Proxylagos it’s been a season of heavy silence.
“But I am returning today with a heart full of gratitude. To everyone who checked on me and kept me in your prayers during my lowest moments thank you for not letting me go. I am back, blessed, and rebuilding,” the caption read.
The nightclub was previously shut down following a raid by NDLEA operatives in the early hours of October 26, 2025. During the operation, over 100 individuals, including Pretty Mike and former Big Brother Naija housemate Tuoyo Ideh, were arrested.
According to a statement issued by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, illicit substances were recovered at the venue.
“In Lagos, NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, raided Proxy Nightclub at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was going on.
“Over 100 suspects, including the owner of the club, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, alias Pretty Mike, were arrested and taken into custody for screening. Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects at the party and the club’s store.”
Prompt News reports the agency had acted on intelligence reports indicating that the event had been advertised as a “drug party.”
Following the incident, NDLEA initiated legal proceedings against the nightclub, while Pretty Mike and the club’s supervisor were arraigned on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, and allowing the premises to be used for drug-related activities. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N50 million by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
