Family says execution has brought them peace
Obaida’s parents and relatives hail UAE’s justice system and leadership for support
Family members of Obaida Ebrahim Al Sedqi Al Aqrabawi, 8, the Jordanian boy whose body was found in Dubai on May 22, 2016, sought solace in the Dubai Public Prosecution’s decision to execute the convict, Nidal Eisa Abdullah, 50, a Jordanian, who raped and killed their young boy.
The boy’s father, Ebrahim Al Sedqi Al Aqrabawi, told Gulf News that he is finding consolation and comfort in the fact that his son’s killer got what he deserved.
“I have faith in the UAE’s justice system. It [the execution of the killer] gives us peace now,” the father said. “If it were in my hands, as a father, I would have stoned him to death because of the pain he put my son through.”
The execution brings to an end the nightmare Obaida’s family had to endure from May 20, 2016, the day on which the eight-year-old boy disappeared from his house. Obaida was abducted that day from near his father’s garage in Sharjah and later raped and murdered by Abdullah in Al Mamzar.
Two days later, the boy’s body was found by the authorities in the Al Warqa’a area.
Recalling the horrific day, the father had earlier told Gulf News, “I immediately informed my wife about the news. I tried to reduce the impact of our son’s death. Of course, she will never forget that moment; she will always remember it. And now, we are awaiting the verdict and I hope it will be delivered soon.”
Obaida’s mother, Zeinab, told Gulf News that she has been shedding tears of consolation since she came to know of the execution.
“It’s the least punishment he deserved. Now the soul of my son will rest in peace,” said the mother.
Obaida’s uncles, who came to the UAE from Jordan to be with the boy’s parents at this juncture, told Gulf News, “The death penalty awarded to the man who stole their little Obaida is just. He deserves this punishment but it does not equal [even] a tiny part of our pain.”
Obaida’s father said that he had received several calls from “the family and relatives of the killer to pardon him but I insisted he must get what he deserved.
“Before the execution, the killer asked us [Obaida’s family] to pardon him but we refused.
“Did he show any mercy to our little son when he begged to be freed so he could return to us? Why should we then pardon him?”
In a parting message yesterday, Obaida’s parents cautioned all parents to keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. “Do not trust any stranger,” Obaida’s father said.
Meanwhile, Obaid Al Mazimi, the family’s lawyer, told Gulf News, “The execution means only one thing: that the UAE government brings justice to all and there is no difference between the rich and the poor. Anyone who commits a crime will be brought to justice.”
“We thank the UAE leadership, the lawyer, judge and all UAE Rulers.
“We thank His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his support,” said Obaida’s mother.
I have faith in the UAE’s justice system. It [the execution of the killer] gives us peace now. If it were in my hands, as a father, I would have stoned him to death because of the pain he put my son through.” Ebrahim Al Sedqi Al Aqrabawi | Obaida’s father