After his father’s death in 1388, Helena Thopia his older sister inherited control of Krujë.

[9][10] After the death of Sultan Bayezid in 1402, many Albanian lords, including Niketa Thopia, Gjon Kastrioti and Koja Zaharija recognized Venetian suzerainty.

[11][[[Gjon Kastrioti#{{{section}}}|contradictory]]] The Venetians were interested in having some buffer zone between them and the advancing Ottoman army.

Given his previous loyalty to the Venetians, they soon accepted his action, and by 1404, officially recognized him as the governor of Krujë.

[12][13] However, despite his formal vassal status, Niketa Thopia began to assert greater autonomy in the region.

By 1410, he had extended his influence over much of the territory between Krujë and the lower Shkumbi River, effectively positioning himself not just as a Venetian vassal, but as an independent ruler whose interests aligned with Venice more as an ally than a direct deputy.

[21] After being released from jail in July 1413, Niketa Thopia returned to Krujë, where he resumed his role as the administrator for the Venetians.