By Frank Ulom
A yet to be identified man has allegedly committed homicide in a hotel in Calabar, Cross River State, after a female guest he lodged in with was found dead.
The female guest, yet to be identified also, was discovered by a receptionist at the hotel along Clifford Street, Calabar South, on September 7 at about 8pm, according to the police.
A statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, disclosed that a manhunt has commenced to arrest the suspected homicider.
The statement also noted that the receptionist has been taken into custody, the deceased into the morgue, pending further investigation.
“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.
“In the early hours of 8 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.
“The receptionist has been taken into Police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and the events preceding the discovery of the deceased. His being in custody should not be construed as a determination of guilt. Meanwhile, the Command has launched efforts to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.
“The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc,mnips,mspsp has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law, with a view to establishing the identity of the deceased, the cause and circumstances of her death, and the roles, if any, of all persons connected to the incident. The Commissioner further reassures the public that any person found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.
“The Command urges members of the public to desist from speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation or infringing upon the rights of persons connected to the case. Anyone with credible information that may assist in identifying the deceased or locating the male guest is encouraged to contact the nearest Police Station or the Command through its established communication channels. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses and facts are duly established,” the statement, electronically signed by ASP Eitokpah on Tuesday, read in full.
