From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an unidentified female guest at a hotel along Clifford Street, Calabar South.
The incident was reported to the police on September 8, 2026, by the hotel director, accompanied by the hotel manager and the receptionist on duty.
In a statement issued to journalists in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said preliminary investigations revealed that an unidentified male guest reportedly lodged in Room 2 of the hotel on September 7 with a female companion whose identity has yet to be established.
The male guest was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission.
According to the statement, the receptionist later observed that the door to Room 2 was open and, believing that the occupants had checked out, entered the room to switch off the ceiling fan.
Upon switching on the light, he reportedly discovered the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.
Police investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the woman’s face and neck and documented the scene accordingly.
The body was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation and any necessary medical or forensic examination.
Some tablets were also recovered from the deceased’s handbag and secured as exhibits. Police said they have not established any connection between the tablets and the cause of death at this stage.
ASP Akata said the receptionist has been taken into police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and the events preceding the discovery of the deceased.
The police stressed that the receptionist’s detention should not be construed as a determination of guilt.
The Command has also launched a manhunt to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law.
The investigation is aimed at establishing the identity of the deceased, the cause and circumstances of her death, and the roles, if any, of all persons connected to the incident.
The Commissioner assured the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Command urged members of the public to desist from speculation and the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation or infringe on the rights of persons connected to the case.
Anyone with credible information that could assist in identifying the deceased or locating the male guest is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the Cross River State Police Command through its established communication channels.
The Command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses and facts are established.