YENAGOA — A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has died after collapsing inside the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa shortly after judgment in his case was adjourned.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two other defendants, 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three people in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, in 2022.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi.
Judgment Adjourned
The court had been expected to deliver judgment in the case. However, the proceedings were adjourned to October 27, 2026, reportedly following the absence of the presiding judge.
Shortly after the adjournment was announced, Nwanlia reportedly clutched his chest before collapsing in the court’s holding area.
People around him, including correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers, reportedly attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful. Medical personnel were subsequently invited to examine him before his remains were taken to a hospital for further confirmation.
The Bayelsa State Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, Enoch Okunobo, confirmed the death, saying the deceased’s body had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre mortuary.
Case Involved Three Deaths
Nwanlia and the two other defendants were being prosecuted over the deaths of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, identified as an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba, Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo.
The suspects were arrested in 2022 by operatives of the police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The allegations against Nwanlia had not been finally determined by the court before his death.
Health Complications Reported
Reports indicated that Nwanlia had developed health complications while in custody at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yenagoa.
His reported health problems included hypertension and stroke. However, authorities had not officially established the immediate medical cause of his death as of the time of reporting.
The sudden death caused shock among lawyers, correctional officers, police personnel and others present at the court.
The Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, reportedly said he was not initially aware of the incident but promised to make inquiries.
Investigations and medical examination are expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding Nwanlia’s death. Meanwhile, the criminal proceedings against his co-defendants remain separate from the deceased suspect’s case.
