13 Teenagers Jailed for Murder of Schoolmate in Sabah; One Also Sentenced to Caning

A Malaysian high court has sentenced 13 male students for the 2024 murder of their schoolmate at Kolej Vokasional Lahad Datu, in a case that has shocked the nation for its brutality and the young age of those involved.

The oldest of the group, a 19-year-old former student, was handed a life sentence and 12 strokes of the cane by Justice Duncan Sikodol of the Tawau High Court on Wednesday. The remaining 12 teenagers, all under 18, were ordered to be detained “at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri”—meaning they will remain in custody until they are pardoned or their sentences are otherwise determined by the Sabah governor.

The court found all 13 guilty of murdering 17-year-old Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat during a prolonged assault in their school dormitory between the night of March 21 and the early hours of March 22, 2024.

Justice Sikodol said the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, citing medical evidence that the victim’s injuries were severe and fatal. He rejected the defence’s claim that the group had only intended to “teach him a lesson” over alleged theft and did not intend to kill him.

“The attack was not spontaneous,” the judge said, ruling that the defence’s argument of provocation did not apply due to the repeated and sustained nature of the beating.

Mohamad Nazmie was found unconscious on the dormitory floor at approximately 6:50am on March 22. He was later pronounced dead. Eighteen witnesses testified during the trial, which began in November 2024.

The case has sparked renewed public concern over bullying and violence in Malaysian boarding schools, and calls for stronger safeguards for students.