Police investigate death of female guest found dead in hotel

The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a female guest whose body was discovered in a hotel on Clifford Street, Calabar South Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the discovery was reported to the command on September 8, 2026, by the hotel’s director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.

According to Akata, preliminary findings showed that the deceased checked into the hotel on September 7 with an unidentified female companion whose details were reportedly not properly documented at the point of admission.

She said the receptionist later noticed that the door of the room occupied by the guests was open and assumed they had checked out.

Upon entering the room to switch off the ceiling fan and subsequently turning on the light, the receptionist reportedly found 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 as part of the investigation.

The deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead. Her remains have since been deposited at a mortuary pending further investigation and any required medical or forensic examination.

Akata said some tablets were recovered from the deceased’s handbag and secured as exhibits, stressing that police had not established any connection between the drugs and her death.

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The receptionist who discovered the body has also been taken into police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the guests’ admission and events preceding the discovery.

The police stressed that the receptionist’s detention should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.

Meanwhile, the command has commenced efforts to identify and locate the other guest reportedly linked to the deceased.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and objectively to establish the identity of the deceased, the cause and circumstances of her death, and the roles, if any, of persons connected with the incident.

The commissioner assured the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.

The command urged 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.

Police also appealed to anyone with credible information that could help identify the deceased or locate the other guest to contact the nearest police station or the Cross River State Police Command.