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A Kwara State High Court has handed down death sentences to two men convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal firearms possession following a lengthy trial.

Justice Ahmed Aliyu Gegele pronounced the capital punishment on Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed on Thursday in Ilorin, concluding a case that spanned nearly ten months.

The two defendants faced multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms. Beyond the death sentence for armed robbery, they received additional concurrent sentences of life imprisonment for kidnapping and ten years for illegal weapons possession.

The court heard testimony from the victim, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi of Boniya in Baruten Local Government Area, who recounted his ordeal at the hands of the kidnappers. He disclosed that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of 100 million naira, later reducing their demand to 10 million naira before releasing him.

Justice Gegele determined that evidence presented during trial clearly demonstrated the defendants' culpability. The judge noted that confessions made by both suspects at police stations, along with the victim's account, provided substantial proof of their involvement in the crimes.

During proceedings before sentencing, the court afforded both defendants the opportunity to address the court. While the first defendant appealed for leniency, the second maintained assertions of innocence. However, the judge emphasized that judicial discretion could not supersede the law's prescribed penalties for such serious offences.

The prosecution successfully established the charges, with defence counsel subsequently requesting consideration for their clients.

The case commenced in April 2025 and concluded with final arguments in July before Thursday's judgment.

The defence indicated it would seek certified copies of the judgment to explore further legal options.