Police launch investigation after woman found dead in Calabar Hotel

A woman has been found dead with injuries to her face and neck in a hotel room in Calabar, Cross River State, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the incident.

The incident occurred at a hotel on Clifford Street in Calabar South Local Government Area, while the police have begun searching for a male guest who reportedly lodged in the room with the deceased.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday through its spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

According to the statement, the hotel’s director, manager and receptionist reported the case to the police at about 8 am on Monday, September 8, 2026.

“An unidentified male guest checked into Room 2 on Sunday night with a female companion whose identity is yet to be known. Preliminary findings also indicate that the man was not properly documented when he checked into the hotel,” the statement said.

The receptionist reportedly discovered the woman’s body in the early hours of Monday after noticing that the room door had been left open.

According to the police, he initially believed the occupants had checked out and 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,” the statement said.

Investigators who visited the scene observed injuries on the victim’s face and neck.

Her body has been taken to the General Hospital, Calabar mortuary for an autopsy.

The police also recovered some tablets from the woman’s handbag and kept them as exhibits but said there was no evidence linking them to her death at this stage.

The hotel receptionist has been detained to assist with the investigation.

However, the police clarified that his detention should not be seen as proof that he committed any offence.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a full and transparent investigation into the incident.