Cameroon national arrested in Cyprus for racist comment against Cypriots: Accused of being member of Boko Haram

A 32-year-old Cameroonian asylum seeker in Cyprus (south) was remanded in custody on a court order over alleged racist social media comments he made in 2023 targeting Greek Cypriots, following an anti-migrant attacks by far-right Cypriot nationalists in Limassol in September 2023.

The suspect, who had been wanted since October 2023, was arrested on Tuesday and brought to a Limassol court on Wednesday February 5 on charges of incitement to commit a felony and offences under anti-racism legislation, police said.

The comments were allegedly posted in response to the fascist attacks in Limassol’s Molos area in September 2023, when an anti-migrant protest quickly descended into violence, with attacks reported against both locals and foreigners.

The case coincides with ongoing legal proceedings regarding the suspect’s asylum appeal at the Administrative Court, whose decision could affect his residency status in Cyprus.

The suspect remains in Cyprus pending an appeal against his rejected asylum application. Authorities said they are investigating possible connections to terrorist organisation Boko Haram, though no evidence has emerged to support these claims, according to sources.

The court ordered that he be remanded in custody for two days.

It is unclear if he will be released after this period, when formal charges are expected to be filed.