NDLEA Mourns Death Of Cross River Commander

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

According to a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the news of Commander Uzoma’s death was conveyed to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he was attending a retreat for heads of agencies organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Commander Uzoma had recently been appointed and posted to lead the Cross River State Command, resuming his duties on August 18, 2025. He was staying in temporary hotel accommodation in Calabar while searching for a suitable residence.

Mr. Uzoma had been actively engaged in his new role and was scheduled to lead his officers on several engagements at 10:00 am on Thursday.

When his officers had not heard from him by 9:00 am, they went to his hotel room accompanied by hotel staff. Despite repeated knocks on the door and calls to his phone, there was no response.

After unsuccessful attempts to open the door from outside, a hotel attendant entered the room through the ceiling to open the door from the inside. They discovered the Commander’s lifeless body inside.

The police command in the state was immediately notified, and the Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene. The police are currently investigating the cause of death.

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

General Marwa expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer, stating that the agency stands with them during this difficult time. He prayed for their comfort and for the departed to find eternal rest.