A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has reportedly slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa while awaiting judgment in a case involving the alleged murder of three people.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three persons in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; the Paramount Ruler of the community, Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo.
The suspects were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, in an operation led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
Nwanlia was said to have developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa.
He reportedly collapsed on Tuesday at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi, shortly after the court adjourned judgment in the case to October 27, 2026, due to the judge’s absence.
A court registry official who witnessed the incident told the News Agency of Nigeria that Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest before becoming unconscious.
“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” the official said.
Efforts by people at the scene to revive him were reportedly unsuccessful.
Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers were said to have been stunned by the sudden development, while medical personnel were called to attend to him and ascertain his condition.
Nwanlia was subsequently taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death.
His death comes before the scheduled October 27 judgment in the case, in which he and his co-defendants faced charges relating to the alleged killing of the three victims.
