Two days ago in Haspolat, suspects S.M.A.E (25), I.E.G (20), and M.T (42) were charged with setting fire to items in the stairwell of an apartment building entrance, leading to one fatality and another person being severely injured. After a one-day detention, they were brought before the Nicosia District Court again today, Yeniduzen reports.
The court, presided over by Judge Nuray Cevdet, ordered that the suspects remain in police custody for an additional seven days on charges of “manslaughter, arson, setting fire to property, and causing serious injury”. Present at the hearing were Prosecutor Şayan Ergülen for the Prosecution, as well as the lawyer for suspects S.M.A.E and M.T., Çağdaş Par. The third suspect, I.E.G, also was present.
Case Investigator Deputy Inspector Ömer Faruk Şengil stated that the suspects face charges of manslaughter, arson, and causing serious injury. Investigator Şengil explained that suspects S.M.A.E and I.E.G allegedly entered the apartment building in Haspolat owned by suspect M.T. at 2.40 am, using incendiary materials to set items inside the building on fire. The resulting blaze caused the death of 24-year-old Derrick Bamfo Ampomah, who resided in apartment 6, and left 24-year-old Jonathan Maukle Adjabeng severely injured. Investigator Şengil noted that M.T., who is believed to be connected to the case, was also arrested, with voluntary statements taken from S.M.A.E and I.E.G, and a formal statement obtained from M.T.
During the investigation, more than 30 witness statements were collected. The investigator said that many CCTV recordings were obtained and will be reviewed, and further statements are still needed. Searches were conducted at the suspects’ residences, and mobile phones were seized as evidence. Investigator Şengil reported that S.M.A.E’s encrypted phone was found, and through his lawyer, he indicated that he would not provide the password. Şengil requested that the suspects remain in police custody for seven days to allow the investigation to proceed smoothly.
In court, the lawyer for S.M.A.E (25) and M.T. (42), Çağdaş Par, raised no objection to the seven-day detention but questioned the investigator, asking, “Has any evidence been found against my client M.T.?” He also noted that M.T. denies all allegations. Par further inquired whether S.M.A.E had undergone a medical examination, to which the investigator confirmed, stating, “He was examined by a doctor, and no signs of assault or coercion were found”.
After reviewing the evidence presented, the judge ordered that the suspects be detained for an additional seven days.