The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of an unidentified woman found in a hotel room in Calabar South Local Government Area, while efforts are underway to identify and locate the male guest who reportedly lodged with her.
The woman was found dead in Room 2 of a hotel along Clifford Street, Calabar South.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement on Tuesday that the incident was reported at about 8am by the hotel director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.
According to the police, an unidentified male guest checked into Room 2 with a female companion at about 8pm on Monday, September 7.
The command said the male guest was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission, while the identity of the woman had yet to be established.
In the early hours of Monday, the receptionist reportedly noticed that the door to the room was open.
Believing that the occupants had checked out, he entered the room to switch off the ceiling fan.
After turning on the light, he reportedly discovered the woman lying unresponsive on the bed.
Police investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on her face and neck and documented the scene.
The woman’s body was later 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 her handbag and secured as exhibits.
However, the police said they had not established any connection between the tablets and the cause of death.
The receptionist has been taken into custody for questioning as investigators seek to establish how the guests were admitted and what happened before the woman was found.
The police stressed that the receptionist’s detention should not be construed as a determination of guilt.
The command has also launched efforts to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who reportedly lodged with the deceased.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law.
The investigation is expected to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the cause of death and ascertain the roles of all persons connected with the incident.
Ordue assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted according to the law.
The police appealed to residents with credible information about the identity of the deceased or the whereabouts of the male guest to contact the nearest police station.
The command also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
Further updates are expected as investigators make progress in the case.
