The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the suspected homicide of an unidentified woman at a hotel on Clifford Street, Calabar South.
The incident was reported to the police on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. by the hotel’s director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, preliminary investigation showed that an unidentified male guest lodged in Room 2 of the hotel at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday with a female companion whose identity has not been established.
The police said the male guest was allegedly not properly documented when he checked into the hotel.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the receptionist reportedly noticed that the door to Room 2 was open and, believing the occupants had checked out, entered the room to switch off the ceiling fan.
Upon switching on the light, he reportedly found the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.
“Investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the face and neck and documented the scene accordingly,” the statement said.
The woman was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and her body deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation and any necessary medical or forensic examination.
The police also said some tablets were recovered from the deceased’s handbag and secured as exhibits, stressing that no connection had been established between the tablets and her death.
The receptionist has been taken into police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and events preceding the discovery of the woman.
The Command, however, stressed that the receptionist’s detention should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.
Meanwhile, the police have launched efforts to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law.
The police said the investigation would seek to establish 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 that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Command urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation or infringe on the rights of persons connected to the case.
It also appealed to anyone with credible information that could help identify the deceased or locate the male guest to contact the nearest police station or the Cross River State Police Command through its established communication channels.
