A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court on Tuesday while awaiting final judgment in a case involving allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
Nwanlia, alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, was arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo. The trio were accused in connection with the 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Prison sources said Nwanlia had developed several health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while being held at the Medium Correctional Centre in Okaka.
Eyewitnesses at the court said the incident occurred shortly after the court clerk announced that the delivery of the final judgment had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, due to the absence of the presiding judge.
According to witnesses, Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest before collapsing in the courtroom.
Efforts to revive him were reportedly unsuccessful. His death left officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, police personnel and lawyers present at the court stunned.
The development has further delayed the conclusion of the high-profile case, which has been ongoing over the alleged 2022 killings in Kalaba community.
