Ghanaian National Detained for Over 15 Years of Illegal Residence in TRNC

Abubakar Uthman, a 44-year-old Ghanaian national, was arrested and brought to court in Northern Cyprus after residing illegally for many years. The court proceedings took place yesterday.

Police officer Murat Ergün presented the case in court, explaining that Abubakar Uthman was apprehended by the Crime Prevention Branch of the Lefkoşa Police Department. He was found on Bedrettin Demirel Street in Lefkoşa at 18:30 on August 24, 2024.

During an immigration check, it was discovered that Uthman had been residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without a valid residence permit for 5,807 days, dating back to September 30, 2008.

In his statement, Uthman claimed that he did not have employment and relied on food and cardboard provided by strangers. The police officer noted that the investigation is still ongoing and requested that Uthman be detained for two days to allow for further investigation.

Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç reviewed the testimony and ordered that Uthman be detained for two days.