Murder Suspect Slumps, Dies In Bayelsa Court While Awaiting Judgment

A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, on Monday slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa while awaiting judgment in a case involving conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.

The incident happened at the Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, Court Eleven.

Nwanlia and two other suspects, 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, were arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

The suspects were arrested in connection with the 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Douye Diri, the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba community, Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo.

READ ALSO Police Nab Army, Naval Impostors In Bayelsa

Nwanlia was said to have developed health problems, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Medium Correctional Centre, Okaka.

The incident occurred shortly after the court announced that judgment in the case had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, due to the absence of the judge.

An eyewitness said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest, slumped and became unconscious shortly after the adjournment was announced.

READ ALSO Court Turns Down Request To Foreclose Witness Evidence In Abba Kyari’s Case

Efforts by those around him to revive him reportedly failed. Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers were left shocked as medical personnel were invited to examine him.

He was later taken away for further medical confirmation at a hospital.