Discovery of the Deceased

A night that began with the arrival of a man and his female companion at a hotel on Clifford Street, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, has ended in a chilling mystery. The woman was found dead in a hotel room on Monday morning, while the man who lodged with her has since disappeared, prompting a police manhunt.

The hotel's management, including the Director, Manager, and receptionist, reportedly alerted the police to the incident on Monday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 8:00 am. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the unidentified male guest had lodged in Room 2 of the hotel on Sunday night with the deceased woman.

The discovery was made when the hotel receptionist noticed the room door was ajar. Assuming the guests had checked out, the staff member entered to switch off the ceiling fan but instead found the female guest lying motionless on the bed. This discovery immediately transformed the scene into a suspected homicide investigation.

Investigation and Forensic Evidence

Detectives from the Cross River State Police Command who visited the scene observed physical evidence suggesting a struggle or assault. The police have officially noted that the victim’s body showed visible signs of trauma that require further medical examination.

Investigators who visited the scene reportedly observed marks of violence on the victim's face and neck.

— ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command

In addition to the physical evidence, police recovered several tablets from the woman's handbag, which have been secured as exhibits. However, the Command emphasized that there is currently no established link between the medication and her death. The body has been deposited at the General Hospital, Calabar, mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Security and Documentation Concerns

The incident has highlighted significant lapses in hotel security and guest documentation. Police revealed that the male guest was allegedly not properly documented when he checked into the hotel, a failure that has complicated efforts to identify and trace him. The receptionist who discovered the body has been detained to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The receptionist's detention should not be construed as a determination of guilt.

— ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command

The lack of records has placed renewed focus on the legal responsibilities of hospitality businesses to maintain accurate guest logs. Detectives are currently working to establish the identity of the deceased woman while pursuing leads to locate her companion.

Police Mandate and Public Safety

Commissioner of Police, CP Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a full-scale and transparent investigation into the incident to ensure justice is served. The Command is treating the case with high priority, focusing on the timeline of events between the couple's arrival and the discovery of the body.

Authorities are seeking to determine whether the woman's death was a result of a fatal confrontation or a deliberate killing. Until the male guest is found and the autopsy results are released, the circumstances surrounding the final hours of the unidentified woman remain the subject of intense police scrutiny.

The Command has urged members of the public with information regarding the identity of the woman or the whereabouts of the male guest to come forward as the investigation continues.