The police command in Cross River says it has begun an investigation into a suspected homicide involving a female guest at a hotel in Calabar.

Its spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement, saying the incident occurred along Clifford Street, Calabar metropolis.

Mr Eitokpah said the hotel director reported the death to the command on Tuesday, accompanied by the manager and the receptionist on duty.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that a male guest lodged at the hotel with the lady. According to police, the male guest was not properly documented at the time of admission.

Mr Eitokpah said a receptionist on duty found the room the guests occupied open.

“When the room was accessed, the female guest was found lying unresponsive on the bed,” he said.

Mr Eitokpah said that police investigators who visited the scene observed apparent marks of violence on the lady’s face and neck.

He said that the lady was taken to a hospital where she was confirmed dead, and her remains had been deposited at the morgue.

“The receptionist’s detention should not be seen as a determination of guilt. It is part of the investigation process,” the officer said.

The police spokesperson said that the command had launched its dragnet to track down the male guest who reportedly checked into the hotel with the deceased.

He said the police commissioner, Ajo Ordue, had directed a full investigation into the matter to ensure justice prevailed.

“The commissioner has called for a professional and objective investigation into the matter. We must establish the identity of the deceased. We must unravel the circumstances behind her death, and the roles, if any, of all persons connected with the incident,” he said.

Mr Eitokpah urged members of the public to desist from speculation and the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation.

(NAN)