Two foreign nationals arrested in Girne for residing in north Cyprus illegally

Girne, TRNC: Two foreign nationals, were arrested and brought before the court in Girne on charges of residing illegally in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). 

The suspects identified as DAA and VO, who are both Nigerians were reportedly caught during a police operation in Girne on Friday May 9.

According to police officer who testified against them in court, both individuals were apprehended on May 9, 2025, in connection with the offense of “residing in the TRNC without permission.”

The arrests took place around 9:30 p.m. during a search conducted by a team from the Narcotics and Anti-Smuggling Directorate at an apartment in the Karaoğlanoğlu area. 

During the operation, it was determined that DAA had been living in the country without authorization since September 30, 2024. Her co-accused, VO, was found to have overstayed since as far back as September 30, 2020.

The police stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects were involved in any other criminal activities during their unauthorized stay. Given the high likelihood of flight risk, police requested that the court extend their detention.

After reviewing the testimony, the presiding judge ruled that both suspects remain in police custody for two more days as the investigation continues.