Two men have been sentenced to 18 years in prison each after exchanging gunfire outside a nightclub in Birmingham, injuring an innocent food-stall worker in the crossfire. Aaron Nubie, 46, and Kimani Durrell-Smith, 27, fired at each other outside FJ Lounge on Bickford Road in Aston after they clashed inside the venue. West Midlands Police said the shooting happened at around 6am on March 23, 2024, when the pair returned outside armed with firearms. Investigators found that Nubie left the nightclub before returning with a gun and firing at Durrell-Smith as he exited. Durrell-Smith was also armed and returned fire, leading to shots fired near a food stall. An innocent worker caught in the crossfire was shot and injured. Police said the worker’s injuries were not life-threatening. Both Nubie and Durrell-Smith were also wounded during the exchange. Police said Nubie arrived at hospital about 30 minutes after the incident with a gunshot wound, but initially claimed he could not remember how he was injured. Durrell-Smith was arrested later following a firearms warrant at an address in West Bromwich. CCTV footage from the area was reviewed during the investigation, showing both men firing their weapons outside the nightclub. Police also linked the shooting to the earlier disagreement inside the establishment. Nubie and Durrell-Smith were charged and convicted of wounding with intent at Birmingham Crown Court, after a trial in October 2025. They had earlier admitted possessing firearms. Both were sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton of the West Midlands Police Major Crime Team said arming themselves and firing at close range endangered innocent lives. The police also secured a closure order against FJ Lounge, and said work to tackle gun crime continues under Operation Target.