Four Individuals Detained for Overstaying in TRNC

Police officer Hasan Kabadayılar provided details of the case during the court hearing. According to the police statement, on November 17, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a police team conducted an immigration check on Yay Street in the Hamitköy area of Nicosia. The investigation revealed that Domose Raphael Okon had been residing without a permit for 1,509 days since September 30, 2020; Inaubong Raphael Okon had been staying without a permit for 1,144 days since September 30, 2021; and Fred Obasi Offor had been in the TRNC without a valid permit for a total of 1,300 days since April 27, 2021.

The police stated that the individuals were arrested on the spot, and an investigation was initiated. Officer Kabadayılar highlighted that statements needed to be obtained from the Civil Registry Office, the reasons for the suspects’ presence in the TRNC needed to be examined, and an inquiry into whether they had been involved in any other crimes during their unauthorized stay was necessary.

The police requested that the three individuals remain in detention for an additional three days to allow for the continuation of the investigation.

In a related development, Ali Raza was discovered on November 14, 2024, at 8:24 a.m., when he visited the Immigration Directorate to obtain an entry-exit document. During the check, it was found that Raza had been residing in the TRNC without a valid permit for 75 days since August 31, 2024. Officer Kabadayılar noted that Raza had already appeared before the court, which had granted an initial three-day detention period. However, the officer stated that the investigation was not yet complete and requested an additional eight days for further inquiries.

After evaluating the testimony presented, Judge Nuray Necdet ordered that Domose Raphael Okon, Inaubong Raphael Okon, and Fred Obasi Offor be held in detention for three more days, while Ali Raza was to remain in custody for an additional eight days.