The Police Command in Cross River has commenced investigation into the suspected homicide of an unidentified female guest at a hotel in Calabar.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement that the incident occurred along Clifford Street in Calabar metropolis and was reported to the command on Tuesday by the hotel director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.
Eitokpah said preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified male guest had lodged at the hotel with a woman whose identity was yet to be established.
He said the male guest was not properly documented when he checked into the hotel.
According to him, the receptionist later discovered that the room occupied by the guests was open and, upon entering, found the woman lying unresponsive on the bed.
Police investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the woman’s face and neck.
Eitokpah said the woman was taken to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead, and her remains were deposited at the morgue.
He said the receptionist was being interrogated to establish the circumstances surrounding the guests’ admission, stressing that the detention did not imply guilt but was part of the investigation.
The police spokesman said the command had launched a search for the male guest who reportedly checked into the hotel with the deceased.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Ordue, had directed a full investigation to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding her death and ascertain the roles, if any, of all persons connected with the incident.
Eitokpah urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation.
He also appealed to anyone with credible information that could help identify the deceased or locate the male guest to contact the nearest police station.
