Judgment Date Set for Lahad Datu Vocational College Students Accused of Murder

Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol has set February 28 as the date for the High Court in Tawau to deliver its verdict on whether 13 male students of Lahad Datu Vocational College, who are accused of murdering their fellow student, Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan, last year, will be called to defend themselves or acquitted.

Judge Sets Date for Verdict

The judge set the date during an online status review proceeding today with Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Nur Nisla Abdul Latif and lawyers representing the accused.

Defence Team

The defence team includes Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki, and Chen Wen Jye, who are representing eight of the 13 youths, while the remaining five are represented by Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P Kang, and Kusni Ambotuwo.

Online Status Review Proceeding

During the session, Nur Nisla, Kamarudin, Chen, Abdul Ghani, Vivian, Jhesseny, and Kusni were present in court, participating via video call, while the rest joined from Kota Kinabalu.

Prima Facie Case

If the court rules in favour of the prosecution and finds that a prima facie case exists, the 13 accused will be called to enter their defence. Otherwise, they will be acquitted.

Prosecution Trial

The prosecution trial, which took place last year, lasted 12 days starting November 19, during which 25 witnesses were called to testify.

Charges

The 13 students, aged 16 to 19, were charged with the murder of Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat, 17, at dormitory rooms 7 Resak and 5 Belian of Lahad Datu Vocational College between 9 pm on March 21 and 7.38 am on March 22 last year.

They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same Code, which carries the death penalty or a prison term of 30 to 40 years and up to 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

Prosecution Team

The prosecution is led by Nur Nisla, assisted by DPPs Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri.

Conclusion

The verdict on the 13 students accused of murdering their fellow student is set to be delivered on February 28. The prosecution team, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Nisla Abdul Latif, has presented its case, and now the judge will decide whether a prima facie case exists or not. The accused students, who are aged 16 to 19, face a maximum penalty of death or a prison term of 30 to 40 years and up to 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.

FAQs

* When is the verdict set to be delivered?
+ February 28
* Who is the judge presiding over the case?
+ Datuk Duncan Sikodol
* How many students are accused of murder?
+ 13
* What is the maximum penalty if convicted?
+ Death penalty or a prison term of 30 to 40 years and up to 12 strokes of the cane