Today's court hearing regarding the murder trial of Ibrahim Zihan, accused of killing a 13-year-old boy whose body was found stuffed in a box in Hulhumalé in June 2021, has been closed to the public.

The hearing was scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Zihan, from N. Landhoo Bagheechaage, faces 13 charges across seven categories, which could carry a prison sentence of over 100 years if convicted. Another minor arrested in connection with the case faces three charges.

Zihan's charges include:

  • First-degree murder
  • Five counts of sexual abuse of a minor
  • Administering drugs to a minor to commit a sexual act
  • Grooming a minor for sexual abuse
  • Wrongful confinement
  • Desecration of a corpse
  • Using a minor to commit a criminal offense

The Prosecutor General’s Office previously stated that 79 oral witnesses, including 16 anonymous witnesses, have been submitted against Zihan, with testimony from two witnesses already recorded.

The 13-year-old boy was reported missing by his family on June 20, 2021, after being out of touch for two days. His body was discovered stuffed in a box in the lagoon off the northeastern side of Hulhumalé Phase 2 around 2:30 AM on June 22.