Calabar hotel death: Police release woman’s photo, hunt for male guest

The Cross River State Police Command has released the photograph of an unidentified woman found dead in a hotel in Calabar South, as investigators intensify efforts to establish her identity and locate the man who lodged with her.

The woman was discovered dead earlier this month in a hotel room along Clifford Lane, Calabar South, after reportedly checking into the facility with an unidentified male guest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, appealed to members of the public who may recognise the woman or have information about her family, associates or whereabouts before her death to contact the authorities.

According to the Police, preliminary investigations established that the woman lodged at the hotel alongside a male guest whose identity and whereabouts remain unknown

The Command said detectives were working to locate the man and establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

The latest development follows an earlier police report on September 8 concerning the discovery of an unidentified female guest in Room 2 of the hotel.

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The Police had said the woman was found unresponsive after a receptionist noticed that the door to the room was open.

Investigators who visited the scene reportedly observed apparent marks of violence on her face and neck.

She was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead. Her remains were later deposited at the mortuary.

Male guest not properly documented

Police said the male guest who checked into the hotel with the woman was not properly documented when they were admitted.

His failure to be properly captured in the hotel’s records has become a key aspect of the ongoing investigation as detectives seek to establish what happened before the woman’s death.

Meanwhile, the receptionist who was on duty when the incident occurred remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

The Police said he was being questioned about the admission of the guests and events preceding the discovery of the deceased.

However, the Command stressed that his detention should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.

It said any further action against him would be based on evidence gathered during the investigation and carried out in accordance with the law.

Investigation ordered

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and objectively.

Investigators are expected to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding her death and locate the male guest who lodged with her.

The Police also said the investigation would determine whether any other persons played a role in the incident.

The Command appealed to anyone who recognises the woman or has information that could assist in locating the male guest to contact the Police Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0905 827 3057, or report to the nearest police station.