The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Cross River State Commander, Chief Narcotics Officer Ogbonna Uzoma, who was found lifeless in his hotel room in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 18, 2025, barely one month after Uzoma assumed duty on August 18.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, saying the late commander was due to lead scheduled operations but failed to appear.
“When his officers didn’t hear from him by 9am, they went to his hotel room with hotel staff. Several knocks and calls went unanswered. When the door couldn’t be forced open, an attendant entered through the ceiling to unlock it from inside, where the commander’s lifeless body was discovered,” Babafemi said.
Police, NDLEA launch probe
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.
NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) has directed Zonal Commander ACGN Mathew Ewah to relocate to Calabar to support the inquiry.
Marwa condoled with Uzoma’s family, saying:
“The Agency stands with the family in this trying moment, and we pray that God will comfort them and grant the departed eternal rest.”
Brief but active tenure
Despite his short time in office, Uzoma was said to have been proactive, immediately engaging his officers in planning operations.
Cross River remains a critical hub for NDLEA operations. In June 2025, the agency destroyed a 30-hectare cannabis farm in the state and reported multiple large-scale drug seizures.
The NDLEA has assured the public of a full investigation into the commander’s death.
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