Police in Cross River State have launched a manhunt for an unidentified male guest following the discovery of a female guest dead in a hotel room in Calabar South.

The woman, whose identity has not been established, was found unresponsive in Room 2 of the hotel along Clifford Street, Calabar South, on Tuesday.

The incident was reported to the police at about 8:00 a.m. on September 8 by the hotel director, accompanied by the manager and receptionist on duty.

The police said preliminary investigation showed that the unidentified male guest lodged in the room at about 8:00 p.m. on September 7 with the deceased.

According to the police, the male guest was allegedly not properly documented by the hotel at the point of admission.

The receptionist reportedly entered the room in the early hours of Tuesday after observing that the door was open and believing that the occupants had checked out.

The police said the receptionist switched on the light and discovered the woman lying unresponsive on the bed.

Investigators who visited the scene reportedly observed apparent marks of violence on the woman’s face and neck.

Her body was evacuated to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation and possible medical or forensic examination.

The police also said some tablets were recovered from the deceased’s handbag and secured as exhibits, stressing that no connection had been established between the tablets and her death.

Meanwhile, the receptionist has been taken into police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and events leading to the woman’s death.

The police stressed that the receptionist’s detention should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and locate the male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and objectively in accordance with the law.

Ordue said the investigation would establish the identity of the deceased, cause and circumstances of her death and the roles, if any, of persons connected with the incident.

He assured that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Command urged members of the public to avoid speculation and circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation.

It also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist in identifying the deceased or locating the male guest to contact the nearest police station or the command through its established channels.