The Settat Court of Appeal has brought closure to one of the region's longest and most complex criminal cases, sentencing five men to a combined 140 years in prison for the premeditated murder of a local official.
The verdict, delivered on Monday, October 5, 2026, concludes a judicial saga that spanned more than 26 years. Four of the defendants received sentences of 30 years each, while the fifth was handed a 20-year prison term, reflecting the differing roles they played in the orchestrated assassination. Local reports confirm that among the convicted men is a pharmacist, adding a notable layer of intrigue to the decades-old mystery.
A Cold Case Brought to Light
The case revolves around the brutal death of Ahmed Nabih, the former president of the Sidi El Aïdi commune, located just north of Settat. In the summer of 2000, the official, then nearly 80 years old, vanished under highly suspicious circumstances while returning home from his rural property. His body was subsequently discovered inside his vehicle, bearing unmistakable signs of severe violence.
From the outset, investigators suspected foul play, and the court ultimately determined that the killing was a meticulously premeditated act. However, untangling the web of involvement proved exceptionally difficult. The investigation dragged on for over two and a half decades, requiring extensive forensic expertise, relentless detective work, and lengthy procedural maneuvers to finally bring the perpetrators to justice.
With this week's ruling, the Moroccan justice system has finally closed the chapter on the tragic disappearance of Ahmed Nabih. The substantial sentences serve as a stark reminder that even after 26 years, the pursuit of accountability remains unyielding.