The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the death of its newly appointed Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma, describing it as a painful and shocking loss.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday. He explained that NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), received the news while attending a retreat for heads of agencies in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to the statement, Uzoma resumed duty in Cross River on August 18, 2025, and had temporarily lodged in a hotel in Calabar while making arrangements for permanent accommodation.
He was expected to lead his officers for scheduled assignments on Thursday, September 18, 2025, but by 9 a.m., his colleagues became concerned when they could not reach him.
Hotel staff and NDLEA officers knocked repeatedly on his door and called his phone with no response. When attempts to force the door open failed, one of the attendants entered through the ceiling and unlocked the room from inside—only to discover the commander’s lifeless body.
The Cross River State Police Command was immediately alerted, with the Commissioner of Police personally visiting the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.
In response, Marwa directed the NDLEA Zonal Commander, Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to relocate to Calabar to support investigations and ensure continuity at the state command.
While consoling Uzoma’s family, Marwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the late commander as a dedicated officer who had barely settled into his new role.
“The Agency stands firmly with the family in this trying moment. We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and that the departed soul rests in peace,” Marwa said.
