A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has died after reportedly slumping inside the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa while awaiting judgment in a case involving the alleged killing of three people.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and the 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo of Kalaba community; and Samuel Oburo. The suspects were arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The case was before Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi at the Bayelsa State High Court. Judgment was expected on Tuesday, October 6, but proceedings were adjourned to October 27 after the presiding judge was reportedly unavailable.
According to eyewitnesses and prison sources, Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and slumped shortly after the adjournment was announced. Efforts by people at the court to revive him were unsuccessful, and medical personnel were called to examine him before his remains were taken to a hospital for further confirmation.
Nwanlia was reportedly said to have developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okaka. However, no official medical cause of death had been released as of the time of reporting.
The development has thrown the ongoing case into uncertainty, while the two other defendants remain before the court over the allegations.
