A murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has died after reportedly collapsing at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa while awaiting judgment in a case involving allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murder.
The 50-year-old suspect reportedly slumped at Court 11 shortly after Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi adjourned judgment in the case to October 27, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa court suspect dies after reportedly collapsing at the High Court in Yenagoa.
- The deceased, Bethlehem Nwanlia, was 50 years old.
- Nwanlia was standing trial over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murder.
- The court reportedly adjourned judgment in the case to October 27, 2026.
- Witnesses said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed in the court’s holding area.
- Attempts by correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers to revive him reportedly failed.
- Nwanlia was standing trial alongside Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over alleged 2022 killings.
- Authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the circumstances of his death as of the time of filing.
Bayelsa Court Suspect Dies After Collapsing
Nwanlia reportedly collapsed at Court 11 of the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday while awaiting judgment in the criminal case against him and two other defendants.
According to an eyewitness account, the suspect suddenly clutched his chest and became unconscious in the court’s holding area shortly after the adjournment was announced.
“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” the eyewitness was quoted as saying.
Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers reportedly attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.
A medical personnel was subsequently invited to examine Nwanlia before his body was taken to a hospital for further confirmation.
Judgment Adjourned to October 27
The court had been expected to deliver judgment in the case involving Nwanlia and two other defendants.
However, the judgment was reportedly adjourned to October 27, 2026, with reports indicating that the presiding judge was absent.
Nwanlia reportedly collapsed shortly after the adjournment, creating confusion among court officials, security personnel, lawyers and other people present at the premises.
Nwanlia Faced Multiple Criminal Allegations
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over alleged involvement in the 2022 killings of three people.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, described as an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo.
The three victims were allegedly killed in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The allegations against the defendants remained allegations, as the court had yet to deliver its judgment at the time of Nwanlia’s death.
Police Arrested Three Suspects
Nwanlia, Atama and Ovo were reportedly arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The operation was reportedly led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The suspects were subsequently prosecuted over the allegations connected to the killings.
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Nwanlia Reportedly Had Health Complications
Nwanlia was also reported to have developed health complications while in custody at the Medium Correctional Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa.
According to the report, the suspect had suffered from medical conditions including high blood pressure and stroke while in custody.
However, there was no official confirmation at the time of filing that these conditions caused his death.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Cause of Death
The incident caused confusion at the court premises as correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers attempted to respond to the emergency.
The suspect was reportedly examined by medical personnel and taken to a hospital for further confirmation.
As of the time of filing, authorities had not issued an official statement confirming the cause or circumstances of Nwanlia’s death.
The development occurred as the court was preparing to conclude the trial, with judgment now scheduled for October 27.
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