The Cross River State Police Command has released the photograph of a woman who was found de@d in a hotel along Clifford Lane, Calabar South, as it seeks the public’s help in identifying her and locating the man who checked into the hotel with her.
The woman was discovered unresponsive in Room 2 earlier this month after she reportedly lodged at the hotel with an unidentified male guest whose whereabouts remain unknown. Police said the man was not properly documented when they checked in.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations showed that the woman stayed at the hotel with the male guest, and efforts are ongoing to locate him and establish what led to her de@th.
The incident was first reported on September 8 after a receptionist noticed that the door to the room was open and discovered the woman inside. Police investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of vi%lence on her face and neck. She was taken to General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed de@d and her body deposited at the mortuary.
The receptionist on duty remains in police custody and is assisting investigators with information about the guests’ admission and what happened before the woman was found. However, the Police Command stressed that his detention should not be taken as a determination of guilt, adding that any further action would depend on available evidence and the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and objectively to identify the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding her de@th, locate the male guest and establish the roles, if any, of anyone connected to the incident.
The police urged anyone who recognises the woman or has information that could help identify her, locate her family or find the male guest to contact the Police Control Room, or visit the nearest police station.