NDLEA Mourns Cross River Commander Found Dead in Hotel Room

NDLEA Mourns Cross River Commander Found Dead in Hotel Room

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Cross River State Commander, Chief Narcotic Officer Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma.

Ogbonna, who only resumed duty in Calabar on August 18, 2025, was found lifeless in his hotel room on Thursday, September 18. He had been staying at the hotel temporarily while making arrangements for permanent accommodation.

According to the agency, the late commander was scheduled to lead his men on official engagements by 10 a.m. on the day of the incident. But when he failed to show up or answer phone calls, concerned officers, accompanied by hotel staff, forced their way into his room through the ceiling, only to discover his body.

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police promptly visited the scene, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of his death.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the report of Ogbonna’s death was received by the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), while attending a retreat for heads of agencies in Maiduguri.

Marwa described the incident as a painful loss not only to the agency but also to the family of the deceased officer.

“The NDLEA stands with the family of our late Commander in this trying moment. We pray that God will comfort them and grant the departed eternal rest,” Marwa said.
To strengthen the ongoing police investigation, Marwa directed the Zonal Commander of Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to immediately relocate to Calabar.