Murder Suspect D!es In Court Moments After Judgment Is Adjourned

A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly collapsed 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 was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged 2022 killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

The suspects were reportedly arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, which was headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo at the time of the arrests.

According to prison sources, Nwanlia had developed health complications while being held at the Medium Correctional Prison in Okaka. The sources reportedly linked his condition to ailments including high blood pressure and stroke.

Eyewitnesses at the court said the incident occurred after the court clerk announced that the delivery of the final judgment had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, because the presiding judge was unavailable.

Nwanlia reportedly clutched his chest shortly after the announcement before collapsing in the courtroom.

Efforts by those present to revive him were reportedly unsuccessful. Men of the Nigeria Correctional Service, police officers and lawyers at the court were said to have been left stunned by the sudden development.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident occurred as the court was preparing for the conclusion of a case that had linked the defendants to the alleged killings in Kalaba community.

The circumstances surrounding Nwanlia’s death were not immediately clear beyond the reported health complications he had experienced while in custody.