Police seek help to identify woman found dead in Calabar hotel

The Cross River State Police have released a photo of a woman found dead in a hotel in Calabar. They are asking the public to help identify her. They are still searching for the man who was with her.

The woman was discovered dead in a hotel room on Clifford Lane, Calabar South, earlier this month. She had checked in with a man who is now missing.

In a statement on Wednesday, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Police Public Relations Officer, said they released the photo to anyone who might know her or have information about her family or friends. They want people to contact the police with any credible information.

The police said initial investigations showed that "the deceased lodged at the hotel alongside a male guest whose whereabouts remain under investigation."

"Efforts are ongoing to locate him and establish the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death," the statement added.

This news comes after the police reported on September 8 that an unidentified woman had been found unresponsive in Room 2 of the hotel. The man who checked in with her was not properly registered.

The receptionist discovered the woman after noticing the door was open. Investigators said they saw "apparent marks of violence on the face and neck" when they arrived. Her body was taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and placed in the mortuary.

The receptionist is now in police custody and is helping with the investigation.

The police said, "The receptionist on duty at the time of the incident remains in Police custody and is assisting investigators with information concerning the admission of the guests and events preceding the discovery of the deceased."

They made it clear that his detention "should not be construed as a determination of guilt." They added that any further actions would depend on the evidence available and in line with the law.

The Commissioner of Police for Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has instructed that the investigation be carried out "professionally and objectively". They aim to identify the woman, find out how she died, locate the man, and determine if anyone else is involved.

The police are asking anyone who recognizes the woman or has information that could help find the man to reach out to the Police Control Room at 0706 797 7330 or 0905 827 3057. People can also visit the nearest police station.

The police promised to provide more updates as the investigation continues.