The Cross River State Police Command has commenced investigation into the suspected homicide of an unidentified female guest at a hotel along Clifford Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state.
The incident was reported to the Police on September 8, 2026, at about 8:00am by the Director of the hotel, accompanied by the Hotel Manager and the receptionist on duty.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased had lodged at the hotel on September 7, 2026, at about 8:00pm with an unidentified male guest who reportedly checked into Room 2 with her as his female companion.
According to the Police, the male guest was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission.
In the early hours of September 8, the receptionist reportedly noticed 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.
However, after switching on the light, he reportedly discovered the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.
Investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the face and neck of the deceased and documented the scene as part of ongoing investigations.
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.
The Police also recovered some tablets from the deceased’s handbag and secured them as exhibits. However, the Command said it has not established any connection between the tablets and the cause of death at this stage.
Meanwhile, the hotel receptionist has been taken into Police custody for questioning as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and the events leading to the discovery of the deceased.
The Police clarified that the receptionist’s detention should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt, stressing that investigations are still ongoing.
The Command has also launched a manhunt for the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased at the hotel, with efforts ongoing to establish his identity and whereabouts.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner said the investigation is aimed at establishing the identity of the deceased, the cause and circumstances surrounding her death, as well as determining the roles, if any, of all persons connected to the incident.
He further assured the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.
The Command urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation or infringing on the rights of persons connected to the case.
It also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist in identifying the deceased or locating the unidentified male guest to report to the nearest Police Station or contact the Cross River State Police Command through its established communication channels.
The Police said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses and facts are duly established.
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