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| Image: Google |
Lagos socialite and nightlife entrepreneur Mike Nwogu has officially announced the reopening of his nightclub, Proxy Lagos, nearly seven months after it was shut down following a high-profile raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the club owner shared an emotional video reflecting on the difficult period that forced him into silence, revealing that the closure of the club coincided with one of the most painful moments of his life—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 pause or an end,” he said.
Pretty Mike described the emotional toll of losing his father, whom he referred to as his hero, noting that the experience deeply affected him beyond what the public could see.
“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.”
Despite the grief, he explained that he eventually returned to focus on rebuilding Proxy Lagos, which he described as more than just a business venture but a personal dream and long-term vision.
The nightclub, however, had faced a major setback following a dramatic raid by the NDLEA in October 2025. According to Pretty Mike, the incident created a ripple effect that impacted not only him but also his staff, business partners, and customers.
“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,” he recounted.
The NDLEA operation, which took place in the early hours of October 26, 2025, led to the arrest of over 100 individuals at the club, including Pretty Mike and reality TV personality Tuoyo Ideh. Authorities stated that the raid was based on intelligence reports suggesting that the venue was hosting a “drug party.”
In an official statement, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that several illicit substances, including “Loud” and laughing gas, were recovered from both guests and the club’s storage areas.
Following the raid, legal proceedings were initiated against Pretty Mike and the club’s management, with charges ranging from conspiracy to unlawful possession and permitting illegal activities on the premises. He was later granted bail set at ₦50 million by a Federal High Court in Lagos, while the agency also pursued a forfeiture case against the nightclub.
Reflecting on the entire ordeal, Pretty Mike emphasized the lessons he has learned through the crisis, highlighting resilience and faith as key pillars that helped him move forward.
“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 said.
Now cleared to resume operations, he described the reopening of Proxy Lagos as more than just a return to business, but a symbolic comeback for everyone who stood by him during the challenging period.
“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,” he added.
He called on supporters, loyal customers, and the wider Lagos nightlife community to be part of the revival, urging them to help restore the energy and excitement the club was once known for.
In the caption accompanying his video, the socialite expressed gratitude to those who supported him through the months of silence and uncertainty.
“Seven months ago, my world fell apart. From the pain of losing my father to the crushing blow that hit my business, it’s been a season of heavy silence. But I am returning today with a heart full of gratitude,” he wrote.
The reopening of Proxy Lagos marks a significant turning point for Pretty Mike, signaling both personal healing and professional recovery after a period defined by controversy, loss, and resilience.
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#NollywoodTimes
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