The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of an unidentified woman found inside a hotel room in Calabar South Local Government Area.
The woman was discovered at a hotel on Clifford Street after she reportedly lodged there with an unidentified male companion.
According to the police, the incident was reported on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. by the hotel director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the male guest checked into Room 2 with the woman at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7. Police said the man’s identity was allegedly not properly documented when they were admitted.
The receptionist later noticed that the door to the room was open and, believing that the occupants had checked out, entered to switch off the ceiling fan.
He reportedly switched on the light and discovered the woman lying unresponsive on the bed.
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 subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead before her body was deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation and possible medical or forensic examination.
Police also recovered some tablets from the woman’s handbag and secured them as exhibits. However, the command said it had not established any connection between the tablets and her death.
The hotel receptionist has been taken into custody for questioning to assist investigators in determining how the guests were admitted and what happened before the woman’s body was discovered. Police stressed that his detention should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.
Meanwhile, the police have launched efforts to identify and locate the male guest who was last seen with the deceased.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and objectively to establish the identity of the deceased, the cause of death and the roles of everyone connected to the incident.
The police urged members of the public to avoid speculation and provide credible information that could assist in identifying the deceased or locating the male companion.
The investigation is ongoing.
