Mystery As NDLEA Commander Found Dead Inside Hotel Room

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the sudden passing of its Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma. According to Ireporter Online, the Agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed in a statement on Friday that the tragic news was conveyed to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), while he was in Maiduguri, Borno State, attending a retreat for heads of agencies organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The late Commander, who had only recently assumed office, was posted to lead the Cross River State Command on August 18, 2025. Upon resumption, he took temporary lodging in a Calabar hotel, pending arrangements for official accommodation.

The statement explained that Uzoma was scheduled to lead his officers on official engagements at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025. However, by 9 a.m., concerns arose when his officers were unable to reach him. Accompanied by hotel staff, they proceeded to his room, but repeated knocks and phone calls went unanswered.

Efforts to force the door open from the outside proved futile, prompting a hotel attendant to climb through the ceiling aperture and unlock the door from inside. It was then that the commander’s lifeless body was discovered.

The Cross River State Police Command was immediately alerted, with the Commissioner of Police personally visiting the scene. Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.

To support the inquiry, Marwa directed the Zonal Commander of NDLEA Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to relocate to Calabar. Extending his condolences to the bereaved family, Marwa described the loss as deeply painful, assuring that the agency stands with them during this difficult period. He prayed for divine comfort for the family and eternal rest for the departed officer.