The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State, Morrison Ogbonna, was found dead in his hotel room in Calabar on Thursday.
According to reports, Ogbonna’s body was discovered by his officers, who had gone to the hotel to pick him up for a scheduled assignment. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and the NDLEA has yet to issue an official statement.
Security operatives have since cordoned off the hotel premises as investigations begin. Sources close to the agency said the late commander had checked into the hotel the previous day but did not respond to calls or knocks on his door Thursday morning, prompting his officers to alert management before gaining access to the room.
Ogbonna’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the NDLEA and the security community in Cross River State. He had been leading several operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
Authorities said his remains have been moved to a medical facility for autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The incident marks a major loss for the agency as the NDLEA leadership prepares to announce interim arrangements for its Cross River command.
