Police hunt suspect after woman found dead in Calabar hotel

The Cross River State Police Command has launched a manhunt for an unidentified male suspect following the death of a female guest at a hotel on Clifford Street in Calabar South. The incident was reported on the morning of Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after hotel staff discovered the woman unresponsive in her room.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the male suspect and the woman checked into the hotel around 8:00 p.m. on Monday. Authorities noted that the male guest was not properly documented upon admission. Investigators reported seeing apparent marks of violence on the woman’s face and neck. Her body has been moved to the General Hospital, Calabar, for forensic examination.

Police have taken the hotel receptionist into custody for questioning regarding the guests' admission process. Officers are currently reviewing guest registers, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies to identify the deceased and the suspect, who remains at large.