By Ayorinde Oluokun
Police have said they have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of female guest who was found dead after she lodged in a hotel in Clifford Street, Calabar South Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The spokesperson of Cross River Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, in a statement on Tuesday said the discovery of the remains of the lady reported to the Police on 8 September 2026 by the Director of the hotel, accompanied by the Hotel Manager and the receptionist on duty.
Akata said preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased lodged in the hotel on 7 September 2026 with a female companion whose identity is yet to be established as he was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission.
But the Cross River Police spokesperson said the receptionist reportedly observed that the door to room where the man and the lady were lodge was open and, believing that the occupants had checked out, entered the room to switch off the ceiling fan.
But upon switching on the light, the receptionist reportedly discovered the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.
Akata said investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the face and neck and documented the scene accordingly.
She said the body of the lady was evacuated to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and deposited.
The Cross River police spokesperson added the remains have been deposited the mortuary pending further investigation and any necessary medical or forensic examination.
“Some tablets were also recovered from the deceased’s handbag and secured as exhibits. The Police have not established any connection between the tablets and the cause of death at this stage,” Akata said.
She also revealed that the receptionist who discovered the body of the lady has been taken into Police custody for questioning to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the admission of the guests and the events preceding the discovery of the deceased.
“His being in custody should not be construed as a determination of guilt. Meanwhile, the Command has launched efforts to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.
Akata said Cross River Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law, with a view to establishing the identity of the deceased, the cause and circumstances of her death, and the roles, if any, of all persons connected to the incident.
The Commissioner also reportedly reassured the public that any person found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.
“The Command urges members of the public to desist from speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation or infringing upon the rights of persons connected to the case. Anyone with credible information that may assist in identifying the deceased or locating the male guest is encouraged to contact the nearest Police Station or the Command through its established communication channels. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses and facts are duly established,” Akata said.
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