NICOSIA, North Cyprus – Authorities in North Cyprus are hunting for two Cameroonian nationals, Mbouhom Tchomte Vinel Sidrick and Kwalar Bryan Gibip, wanted for the brutal murder of Ayça Alav, a shop owner found dead in her Kyrenia shop on December 23rd, 2023.
“The two men in the passports attached are wanted Cameroonians who robbed an exchange house and in the process, the lady was killed,” confirmed a resident of North Cyprus who spoke to MMI.
A 100,000 TL (3000 Euro) reward has been offered for information leading to their arrest by the victim’s husband.
Kwalar Bryan Gibip is alleged to be a former Cameroonian soldier who used to work with the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) while MMI is yet to get more information on Mbouhom Tchomte Vinel Sidrick
Summary:
- Two Cameroonians wanted for murder in North Cyprus.
- 100,000 TL and 3,000 euro bounties offered for information leading to their arrest.
- Two accomplices detained for aiding escape attempt.
- Investigation ongoing, with focus on suspects’ escape network and gathering evidence.
- Victim’s family expresses frustration with investigation’s pace.
The investigation has already resulted in the detention of two individuals, Franck Leonel Wouobeng Dongho (Cameroonian) and Sadam Hussain (Pakistani), suspected of aiding the escape of the murder suspects. According to police reports, Dongho and Hussain facilitated the suspects’ attempt to flee towards Ercan Airport and cross into South Cyprus, allegedly for 50 and 100 euros respectively.
While no direct link between Dongho and the murder itself has been established, evidence linking him to the escape attempt is substantial. A search of his residence yielded personal belongings, suitcases, and money believed to belong to the fugitives. Both Dongho and Hussain remain in custody as police continue gathering evidence and seek a 5-day extension of their detention.
Cameroonian resident claims Dongho unknowingly assisted the wanted men in crossing the border to South Cyprus.
“My friend Dongho Leonel assisted them to cross to south Cyprus without knowing what they had done. Now he has been arrested and detained for over two weeks now,” he told MMI, while pleading for information on the whereabouts of the fugitives.
This claim, along with Hussain’s defense counsel mentioning a caller from the south seeking his assistance, suggests a possible network aiding the fugitives.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family, led by her diplomat husband Eren Alav, expresses frustration with the investigation’s pace. Their desperation is evident in the hefty bounty offered for information leading to the perpetrators’ arrest.
The post-mortem revealed Ayça Alav died from asphyxiation, highlighting the brutality of the crime. The investigation, however, continues to unfold, with authorities scrutinizing video recordings, interviewing 14 individuals, and actively pursuing the fugitives across the border in cooperation with South Cypriot authorities.
This is not the first time Cameroonians in Cyprus have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. In an earlier case, seven were arrested for drug trafficking.
