Cross River State Commander, Commander of Narcotics (CN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Ogbonna Uzoma
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is reeling from the sudden and tragic death of its Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma, who was found lifeless in his hotel room in Calabar on Thursday morning, prompting the agency to order a full investigation into the circumstances.
The shocking incident unfolded just a month after CN Ogbonna’s appointment to the role.
He had resumed duties on August 18, 2025, and was staying temporarily at a hotel while awaiting permanent accommodation.
Described as “up and doing” in his new post, the commander was set to lead his team in scheduled operations at 10 a.m. on September 18.
However, when he failed to respond by 9 a.m., concerned officers rushed to the hotel alongside staff.
“Several knocks at his door and calls to his telephone line went unanswered,” stated NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in the agency’s official release.on Friday .
Attempts to force the door open from outside proved futile, leading one hotel attendant to access the room via the ceiling aperture.
Inside, they discovered CN Ogbonna’s lifeless body, a scene that has left colleagues and the agency in profound shock.
The Cross River State Police Command was immediately notified, with Commissioner of Police CP personally inspecting the site.
Police investigations into the cause of death are underway, focusing on foul play or other factors.
In a decisive move to support the probe, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who learned of the tragedy while attending a Federal Ministry of Justice retreat for agency heads in Maiduguri, Borno State, has dispatched Zonal Commander ACGN Mathew Ewah of Zone 14 to Calabar.
“To assist police investigation, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency has since directed the Zonal Commander, Zone 14 Command of NDLEA, ACGN Mathew Ewah to relocate to Calabar,” Babafemi confirmed.
Amid the grief, Marwa extended heartfelt condolences to CN Ogbonna’s family, emphasizing the agency’s solidarity.
“While commiserating with the family of the deceased senior officer,
Marwa said the Agency stands with the family in this trying moment, and prayed that God will comfort them and grant the departed eternal rest,” the statement read.
CN Ogbonna’s untimely passing marks a somber chapter for the NDLEA, which continues its nationwide fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
As the investigation progresses, the agency has urged the public to provide any relevant information to aid authorities. Further updates are expected as details emerge.
