By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the sudden death of Commander Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma, the recently appointed head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state.
Uzoma, who assumed duty as Cross River State Commander on August 18, 2025, was found dead on Thursday morning, September 18, in his hotel room in Calabar, where he had been lodged temporarily pending permanent accommodation.
A statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA, said Uzoma was scheduled to lead his officers for an official engagement at 10 a.m. that day. However, when colleagues could not reach him by 9 a.m., they proceeded to his hotel with staff members. Repeated knocks on his door and calls to his phone went unanswered. Efforts to force open the door failed, prompting a hotel attendant to gain access through the ceiling. Inside, Uzoma was discovered lifeless.
The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, who personally visited the scene, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.
The development was formally reported to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he was attending a Federal Ministry of Justice retreat for heads of agencies.
In response, Marwa directed the Zonal Commander of Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to immediately relocate to Calabar to support police investigations and coordinate agency affairs.
While consoling the bereaved family, Marwa said:
“The Agency stands firmly with the family of our late Commander in this difficult time. We pray that God will comfort them and grant his soul eternal rest.”
The NDLEA has pledged full cooperation with the police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the commander’s death.