The Cross River State police command says it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a yet-to-be-identified female guest at a hotel along Clifford Street, Calabar South.

In a statement on Tuesday, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the command’s spokesman, said the incident was reported on Tuesday at about 8:00 p.m.

He said the hotel director, accompanied by the hotel manager and the receptionist on duty, reported it to the police.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that on 7 September 2026, at about 2000hrs, an unidentified male guest reportedly lodged in Room 2 of the hotel with a female companion whose identity is yet to be established,” he said.

Mr Akata stated that the male guest was allegedly not properly documented at the point of admission.

According to him, in the early hours of September 8, 2026, the receptionist reportedly saw the door to Room 2 open and, believing the occupants had checked out, entered the room to switch off the ceiling fan.

He noted that upon switching on the light, he reportedly discovered the female guest lying unresponsive on the bed.

“Investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the face and neck and documented the scene accordingly,” he said.

Mr Akata explained that the body was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Calabar, where she was confirmed dead and deposited at 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.

“The receptionist 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,” he said.

He noted that his being in custody should not be construed as a determination of guilt.

He added that the command has launched efforts to identify and locate the unidentified male guest who was reportedly with the deceased.