By Jelili Gbadamosi
A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, died after he collapsed at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Nwanlia, who was standing trial alongside Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo, was awaiting judgment in a case involving alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three persons in Kalaba community.
The court, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi, adjourned the judgment to October 27, 2026, due to the judge’s absence.
Shortly after the adjournment was announced at Court 11, Nwanlia reportedly clutched his chest, slumped and became unconscious.
A court registry official who witnessed the incident told NAN that efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Nwanlia had reportedly developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while being held at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa.
He and the other defendants were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, over the alleged killings.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo.
Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers were reportedly stunned by the incident, while medical personnel were called to attend to Nwanlia.
He was later taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death.
