Uluhan Oto Gallery Shooting Suspect Remanded for Three More Days

As part of the investigation into the shooting at Uluhan Oto Gallery in Nicosia, suspect Ferdi Yıldırım was brought before the court again on Monday. Two other individuals previously detained in connection with the case, Emin Yıldırım and Aydın Yıldırım, were released after being determined to be innocent.

Police officer Emrah Turgal testified in court, outlining the findings of the investigation to date. He stated that Ferdi Yıldırım was arrested on charges including attempted murder with premeditation, grievous bodily harm, assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of explosives, discharging a firearm in a residential area, and deliberate damage to property.

According to police testimony, on 6 January at around 10.00 am, Abdullah Kürtül carried out an armed attack at Uluhan Oto Gallery, located in the Küçük Kaymaklı area of Nicosia. Kürtül reportedly fired five shots, injuring Hidayet Duran and Eyüp Bilgi. Duran was struck in the left ankle and hip, while Bilgi was shot in the right leg. Several vehicles at the premises also sustained damage.

Police said Kürtül was identified and arrested in Nicosia later the same day, with two pistols and 15 live rounds found in his possession. Burak Akdağ was also arrested on suspicion of instigating Kürtül to carry out the attack. Kürtül and Akdağ were brought before the court on 9 January and remanded in custody for seven days.

Further investigations led police to identify Ferdi Yıldırım as being connected to the case. He was arrested in Kyrenia on 10 January under a detention order. Turgal told the court that CCTV footage showed the vehicle used to deliver the handgun to Kürtül was driven by Yıldırım.

Police searches of Yıldırım’s residence resulted in the seizure of several items of evidence. Turgal stated that Yıldırım gave a voluntary statement of a confessional nature to police. After being brought before the court on 11 January, Yıldırım was initially remanded for three days, during which his mobile phone and seized items were sent for forensic examination.

Police added that the investigation is ongoing, with further witness statements to be taken and additional CCTV footage to be reviewed. Yıldırım also provided a second voluntary statement to police on 12 January. Citing the need to complete these investigative steps, police requested a further three-day detention.

Public prosecutor Behrat Mavioğlu supported the request, noting that numerous camera recordings and digital data were still under examination and that the investigation was being actively pursued.

After considering the testimony, Judge Şevket Gazi ordered that Ferdi Yıldırım remain in police custody for a further three days.