Fourth suspect arrested over the murder of Nigerian woman in Cyprus

Limassol, Cyprus — Greek Cypriot police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the premeditated murder of Victory Osarumen Thompson, a 30-year-old Nigerian national who was found dead in a Germasogeia flat on 9 November 2025.

The man’s arrest, carried out under a judicial warrant, marks the fourth detention in the ongoing investigation. Three women—the victim’s flatmates—remain in custody on suspicion of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Thompson’s death, which has shocked the local community, was confirmed to be the result of criminal activity, according to an autopsy by forensic pathologists Angeliki Papetta and Orthodoxos Orthodoxou. The post-mortem revealed that the victim died from head trauma and multiple body injuries caused by a blunt instrument, believed to be a broken broomstick recovered from the crime scene.

The Fatal Night

Investigators believe the fatal assault occurred in the early hours of Sunday, between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., inside the flat in the Potamos Germasogeia area of Limassol.

According to witness reports, neighbours heard shouting and loud noises coming from the apartment, where four women had been living temporarily. Police later discovered Thompson’s body with visible injuries throughout her body.

Court proceedings earlier this week revealed that the three female suspects, aged 24, 24, and 35, had gone out to a Limassol nightclub late Saturday night, returning to the flat around 5 a.m. accompanied by a couple. The women, who told investigators they worked as sex workers, claimed they found the victim in an “out of control” state and believed she had taken drugs.

During questioning, the suspects said they attempted to restrain Thompson, but the confrontation escalated violently. One of the women admitted to hitting the victim repeatedly with a broomstick, even after she had fallen to the floor.

Investigators told the court that the broomstick was broken during the assault and later recovered as key evidence. A large number of items have since been collected from the flat for forensic examination.

Conflicting Testimonies

According to police statements, the first 24-year-old suspect claimed she had previously lived with Thompson in Nicosia and was aware of her alleged drug use. She said she tried to calm her down, but the victim bit her, prompting her to retaliate by hitting her with her hands while the second suspect used the broomstick.

The second suspect, aged 35, reportedly admitted to striking the victim multiple times, including after she had collapsed. She claimed that the victim had attacked her first, biting her leg.

The third suspect, also 24, said she was drunk and had fallen asleep upon returning home. She later woke to see the other two women beating the victim. She claimed she tried to intervene and even attempted to restrain Thompson with a wire as the victim continued to struggle.

After the beating, the suspects said they believed the victim had fallen asleep. Hours later, one of them found her unresponsive and called for an ambulance. Paramedics confirmed Thompson was dead upon arrival.

Expanding Investigation

Police are continuing to search for two additional individuals, believed to be the couple who accompanied the women back to the flat. The pair allegedly participated in the assault before fleeing the scene and taking the victim’s mobile phone.

Authorities are expected to issue arrest warrants once the couple’s identities are confirmed. Investigators are also gathering CCTV footage and telecommunications data to reconstruct the events leading up to the killing.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is continuing to collect statements and analyze forensic evidence. In total, investigators are expected to take over 50 witness statements as part of the inquiry.

The 35-year-old suspect also faces additional charges related to illegal residency in Cyprus. All three women have been remanded for eight days following a court order earlier this week.

Autopsy Findings

Forensic experts concluded that Thompson’s death was caused by severe head trauma combined with multiple body injuries inflicted by a blunt object, consistent with the broomstick recovered at the scene. Laboratory analyses are still pending and are expected to provide further insight into the case, including possible traces of drugs or foreign DNA.

The case remains under active investigation, with police describing it as a particularly violent killing. Further arrests are expected as evidence continues to be evaluated.