An unidentified female guest was found dead in a hotel room on Clifford Street, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, where she had lodged with an unidentified male companion.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it had commenced an investigation into the incident and launched a manhunt for the male guest.
In a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar, the police said the incident was reported at about 8am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the hotel director, accompanied by the hotel manager and receptionist on duty.
The spokesman said preliminary findings revealed that the male guest checked into Room 2 of the hotel along Clifford Street with a female companion, adding that his identity was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission.
The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has commenced 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 8 September 2026, at about 0800hrs, by the Director of the hotel, accompanied by the Hotel Manager and the receptionist on duty.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that on 7 September 2026, at about 2000hrs, an unidentified male guest reportedly lodged in Room 2 of the hotel with a female companion whose identity is yet to be established. The male guest was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission”, the statement said.
The Police PRO said that in the early hours of Monday, the receptionist noticed that the door to Room 2 was open. Believing that the occupants had checked out, he entered to switch off the ceiling fan and allegedly discovered the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.
“In the early hours of 7 September, 2026, the receptionist reportedly 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. Investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the 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. The Police have not established any connection between the tablets and the cause of death at this stage”, part of the statement read.
The PPRO also said the receptionist had been taken into custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing how the guests were admitted and what transpired before the body was discovered, stressing that his detention “should not be construed as a determination of guilt.”
The Police spokesman further said efforts were ongoing to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was with the deceased.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law to establish the identity of the deceased, the cause of death and the roles of all persons connected to the incident.
He reassured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted according to law.
The CP urged residents to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information, adding that members of the public with credible information on the identity of the deceased or the whereabouts of the male guest should contact the nearest police station.
The Police noted that further updates would be released as the investigation progresses.
