Two students arrested for overstaying in Northern Cyprus

Two individuals living illegally in Northern Cyprus have been arrested and remanded in custody pending trial.

The individuals identified as OGK and DOO, both Nigerian nationals appeared before the Lefkoşa District Court on Thursday July 3 on charges of “unauthorized residence.”

The police told the court that on June 28, 2025, at around 3:00 PM, a patrol team from the Crime Prevention Branch of the Lefkoşa Police Directorate noticed two men acting suspiciously on Atatürk Street in Gönyeli after they spotted the approaching police vehicle. When officers attempted to conduct an identity check, the suspects tried to flee on foot but were apprehended shortly thereafter.

A subsequent immigration status check revealed that OGK had overstayed his legal residency by 211 days since November 29, 2024, while DOO had overstayed by 942 days since November 29, 2022.

Police informed the court that following their arrest, the suspects were initially remanded for three days, during which necessary correspondence for their deportation procedures was initiated. With the investigation still ongoing, police requested an additional two-day extension of their detention to complete the required legal processes.

After reviewing the evidence presented, the judge granted the request, ordering both suspects to remain in custody for two more days.