The Cross River State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Maurice Ogbonna, has been found dead in a hotel room in Calabar.
The late commander, who only assumed duty in the state in August 2025, was discovered lifeless on Thursday morning by his officers, who had gone to pick him up for an official assignment.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Cross River Police Command, Irene Ugbo-Obase, said investigations have commenced to ascertain the cause of death.
According to NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the officers became worried when Ogbonna did not respond to calls and knocks on his hotel door around 9 a.m. He was expected to lead his men to a scheduled engagement by 10 a.m.
“Attempts to force the door open from outside failed until a hotel staff gained access through the ceiling to unlock it from inside, where they found the commander’s lifeless body,” Babafemi said.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene, while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has commiserated with the family of the deceased officer, describing Ogbonna as dedicated and hardworking.
Marwa, who received the news while attending a retreat in Borno State, directed the Zonal Commander of Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to relocate to Calabar to support the police investigation.
“The Agency stands with the family in this trying moment, and we pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss, while granting our departed officer eternal rest,” Marwa said.
