A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, on Tuesday slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Nwanlia was awaiting judgement in a case involving conspiracy, kidnapping, and the alleged murder of three persons in the Kalaba area of Bayelsa State.
The suspect was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged killings in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo.
The suspects were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The operation was led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
Nwanlia was said to have developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke while in custody at the Osaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa.
Nwanlia was said to have slumped shortly after the court adjourned judgement in the case to October 27, 2026, following the judge’s absence.
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A court registry official who witnessed the incident disclosed that Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and became unconscious.
“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped, and died,” the registry said.
It was gathered that efforts by those around him to revive him were unsuccessful.
Correctional centre officers, police personnel, and lawyers were stunned by the development, while medical personnel were invited to ascertain his condition.
Nwanlia was subsequently taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death.
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