NDLEA Commander Found Dead In Hotel Room

NDLEA Commander Found Dead In Hotel Room

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the sudden passing of its Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma.

He was discovered dead in his hotel room.

According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Baba Femi, the news of his death was reported to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), during a retreat for Heads of Agencies organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The late Commander had recently been appointed and posted to lead the Cross River State Command. He assumed office on August 18, 2025, and was temporarily staying in a hotel in Calabar while awaiting suitable accommodation.

Femi explained that Ogbonna was active in his new role and was scheduled to lead his officers in engagements at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

However, when he failed to communicate by 9 a.m., his officers, along with hotel staff, tried to reach him. After several knocks and calls to his phone went unanswered, attempts to open his hotel room door from outside failed.

Consequently, a hotel attendant accessed the room through a ceiling aperture and opened the door from inside, where they found the Commander’s lifeless body.

The Police Command was promptly notified, and the Commissioner of Police visited the scene as investigations into the cause of death continue.

To support the investigation, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive has directed Zonal Commander ACGN Mathew Ewah of Zone 14 Command to relocate to Calabar.

Marwa extended condolences to the family of the deceased, expressing the agency’s solidarity during this difficult time and praying for comfort for the family and eternal rest for the late Commander.The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the sudden death of its Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma.

He was found dead in his hotel room. According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Baba Femi, the news was reported to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who was attending a retreat for Heads of Agencies in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The late Commander had been recently appointed to lead the Cross River State Command and took up temporary accommodation in a Calabar hotel upon resuming duty on August 18, 2025.

Femi said Ogbonna was actively engaged in his duties and was scheduled to lead officers in engagements at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025. When he did not communicate by 9 a.m., his officers and hotel staff attempted to reach him.

After knocks and calls went unanswered, and efforts to open the door from outside failed, a hotel attendant entered through the ceiling to open the door from inside, where they discovered his lifeless body.

The state Police Command was immediately informed, and the Commissioner of Police visited the scene as investigations into the cause of death continue.

To assist the investigation, the NDLEA Chairman has directed the Zonal Commander of Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to relocate to Calabar.

Marwa expressed condolences to the family, assuring the agency’s support, praying for their comfort, and for the late Commander’s eternal rest.