Tragedy struck in Calabar, Cross River State, on Thursday morning as the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Morrison Ogbonna, was found dead in his hotel room under unclear circumstances.
According to reports, Ogbonna’s colleagues made the shocking discovery when they went to pick him up for an official assignment and received no response after knocking on his door.
A source close to the agency, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the officers became worried when he didn’t respond to calls or knocks. They quickly alerted the hotel management.
“When there was no response, the hotel staff helped open the room, and he was found lying lifeless inside,” the source revealed.
Ogbonna had only recently assumed duty in Cross River State, having been transferred there in August 2025 to replace former commander Rachel Umebuali. His sudden death has thrown the agency and the state’s security circle into mourning and confusion.
Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo-Obase, said the police were aware of the situation but could not yet confirm the cause of death.
“I can confirm to you that it is true, but what led to the death is what I can’t readily tell you,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja regarding the incident.
Ogbonna’s death raises questions, especially given the sensitive nature of his job in a state with known drug trafficking challenges. The NDLEA has in recent times intensified its crackdown on drug-related crimes across the country, with commanders often leading operations and facing threats from criminal networks.
Some sources say an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, and police investigations have already begun.
The death of the NDLEA commander has left colleagues, residents, and stakeholders in shock, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine if foul play was involved.
