Suspected killers of the former managing director of Water View Hotel, Ilorin, Joy Adanma Joseph, 22, and Favour David, 23, on Wednesday, wept uncontrollably as their trial commenced before the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin.

The suspects are standing trial before Justice Haleema Saleeman.

Joy and Favour pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in the court.

Addressing the suspects who wept profusely while in the dock, the trial judge at one point told them to “stop crying and speak up” for her to be able to take proper record of their plea.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects were accused of culpable homicide punishable with death under sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code.

They were also accused of conspiring to rob the deceased hotelier while armed with knives, of his Infinix mobine phone, among other valuables.

The attorney-general of Kwara State, Barr. Ibrahim Sulyman, and Issa Zakari, a chief state counsel, are representing the state in the matter.

The suspects were represented by John Mayokun Dada.

Justice Saleeman, however, adjourned the case to April 17, 2024.