NDLEA Commander Found Dead in Hotel Room

The Cross River State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chief Narcotics Officer Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma, was found dead in his hotel room in Calabar on Thursday, September 18, 2025, sending shockwaves through the agency and the local community. Uzoma, who had assumed his role just a month prior on August 18, was discovered unresponsive after failing to answer calls or appear for scheduled engagements. The NDLEA, in an official statement by spokesperson Femi Babafemi, confirmed the incident, describing Uzoma as a dedicated officer whose sudden death has left the agency in mourning. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

According to reports, Uzoma was staying temporarily in a Calabar hotel while awaiting permanent accommodation. On the morning of his death, colleagues grew concerned when he did not respond to knocks or phone calls by 9 a.m., ahead of a 10 a.m. engagement. Hotel staff, unable to access the locked room conventionally, entered through the ceiling aperture and found Uzoma lifeless. The Cross River State Police Command was promptly notified, with Commissioner Nuhu Ankpa personally overseeing the scene. Initial observations suggest no immediate signs of foul play, but a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of death, which remains undisclosed.

The NDLEA has moved swiftly to address the incident. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the agency’s Chairman, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Uzoma’s family, emphasizing his commitment to uncovering the truth. Marwa directed Zonal Commander ACGN Mathew Ewah to relocate to Calabar to assist the police investigation, ensuring a transparent probe. The agency highlighted Uzoma’s brief but impactful tenure, noting his leadership in Cross River following his transfer from a previous posting. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief among colleagues, who praised his dedication to combating drug-related crimes.

As the investigation continues, questions linger about the sudden loss of a senior NDLEA official in a state known for its strategic importance in Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts. Social media platforms have been crowded with mixed reactions, though no credible reports contradict the official narrative. The NDLEA and police have urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation, promising updates as new details emerge. For now, Calabar mourns a fallen commander, and the nation’s anti-drug agency grapples with the void left by Uzoma’s untimely passing.