DUBAI // The final verdict against the man sentenced to death for raping and murdering eight-year-old Obaida Al Aqrabawi will be issued by the Court of Cessation later this month.
In January Dubai Court of Appeal upheld the death penalty handed down to Jordanian Nidal Ali, 49, by the criminal court.
He did not show up to his first hearing at the Court of Cessation on Monday morning.
Nidal was convicted of kidnap, rape and premeditated murder. He was also found guilty of drinking alcohol without a licence and driving under the influence.
A mental evaluation ruled out any illness and stated he was aware of his actions at the time of the murder.
Jordanian Obaida was kidnapped on May 20 last year while playing outside his father’s garage in Sharjah’s industrial area. His body was found two days later in Al Warqa, Dubai.
Nidal admitted to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol that day and killing the boy, but denied sexual assault and kidnapping.
A verdict will issued on February 27.
