A hotel room in Calabar has become the centre of a police investigation after a woman was found dead inside, with detectives now releasing her photograph in a desperate bid to establish her identity and track down the man who checked into the room with her.
The woman was found dead earlier this month at a hotel along Clifford Lane, Calabar South, after reportedly lodging with an unidentified male guest.
Days after the discovery, nobody has come forward to identify the woman, prompting the Cross River State Police Command to release her photograph and appeal to members of the public who may know her or her relatives to contact the authorities.
The command said preliminary investigation showed that the deceased entered the hotel with a male guest whose whereabouts have remained unknown.
Police said efforts were ongoing to locate the man and unravel what happened inside the room before the woman was found dead.
The case dates back to September 8, when the command first reported the discovery of an unidentified female guest lying unresponsive in Room 2 of the hotel.
According to the police, the receptionist reportedly became suspicious after noticing that the door to the room was open.
Investigators who arrived at the scene reportedly observed apparent marks of violence on the woman’s face and neck, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death.
She was subsequently rushed to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead before her remains were deposited at the mortuary.
The police have now classified the case as a suspected homicide and are working to establish the identity of the victim, determine how she died and trace the man who lodged with her.
The receptionist who was on duty when the woman and her male companion checked into the hotel remains in police custody and is assisting investigators.
The command, however, stressed that the receptionist’s detention does not amount to a finding of guilt.
Police said investigators are examining information about the admission of the two guests and events leading up to the discovery of the woman’s body.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a professional and objective investigation into the case.
The investigation is expected to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding her death, locate the male guest and establish whether any other persons played a role in the incident.
Police spokesman, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, urged anyone who recognises the woman or knows anything about her family, associates or whereabouts to come forward.
Members of the public who have information that could help investigators locate the male guest are also being urged to contact the Police Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0905 827 3057, or report to the nearest police station.
The police said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
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