Calabar police release image of unidentified deceased woman, renew appeal for male companion

Authorities in Cross River State have shared a picture of a woman whose identity is not known after she was found dead in a Calabar hotel, and they are asking members of the public to help identify her. The body was found in a room at a hotel on Clifford Lane, Calabar South, earlier this month. Police command spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said in a statement on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, that early findings suggest the woman checked into the hotel with a male guest who has not been located. The command said detectives are working harder to confirm who she was and to understand what led to her death, while the hunt for the man continues. The receptionist who was working when the matter came to light is still in custody and is providing investigators with details about how the guests were admitted and what happened before the woman was found, police said. The command added that keeping the receptionist in custody should not be seen as a finding that he is guilty. In the statement, police said they were giving an update on the continuing investigation into the suspected homicide of an unidentified female guest at a hotel along Clifford Lane, Calabar South, which the command had earlier reported in a press release dated September 8, 2026. Police said that as they keep trying to determine who the deceased was, they are issuing her photograph and urging anyone who knows her or has information about her identity, family or contacts to come forward with reliable details. Early investigation shows she stayed at the hotel with a male guest whose location is still being investigated, police said, and efforts are continuing to find him and clarify the events surrounding her death. The command said the receptionist on duty when the incident occurred remains in police custody and is helping investigators with information about the guests' admission and the events that came before the discovery of the deceased. According to police, his detention should not be interpreted as proof of guilt, and any further steps will depend on the evidence available and follow the law. Commissioner of Police for the Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, has instructed that the investigation be carried out professionally and impartially in order to identify the deceased, determine the circumstances of her death, find the male guest and establish whether anyone connected to the incident had a role. The command appealed to the public for credible information that could help the investigation. Anyone who recognizes the deceased from the photograph or has details that could help locate the male guest is asked to call the Police Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0905 827 3057, or to go to the nearest police station. Police said more updates would be provided as the investigation moves forward.