Police in Cross River have released the photograph of a woman found dead in a Calabar hotel, appealing to the public to help identify her as the search for the male guest who lodged with her continues.
The woman was found dead in a hotel room along Clifford Lane, Calabar South, earlier this month, after she reportedly checked into the facility with an unidentified man whose whereabouts remain unknown.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said it was releasing the deceased’s photograph “to anyone who recognises her or may have information concerning her identity, family or associates to contact the Police with credible information.”
The Command said preliminary investigation had established 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.
The development is an update to the Command’s September 8 report on the incident, when it said an unidentified female guest had been found unresponsive in Room 2 of the hotel. The male guest who lodged with her had reportedly not been properly documented when they checked in.
Police had said the receptionist discovered the woman after noticing that the door to the room was open. Investigators who visited the scene reportedly observed “apparent marks of violence on the face and neck”, while her body was later taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and deposited at the mortuary.
The receptionist remains in police custody and is assisting investigators.
“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,” the Command said.
It, however, stressed that his detention “should not be construed as a determination of guilt,” adding that any further action would be based on available evidence and in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted “professionally and objectively” to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding her death, locate the male guest and establish the roles, if any, of persons connected to the incident.
The Command appealed to anyone who recognises the woman or has information that could help locate the male guest to contact the Police Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0905 827 3057, or visit the nearest police station.
The police said further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
