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

Nwanlia collapsed at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, shortly after the court adjourned judgment in the case to Oct. 27, 2026.

The court reportedly adjourned the judgment because of the absence of the judge.

A source who witnessed the incident said that Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest, slumped and became unconscious in the court’s holding area.

“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” the source said.

Efforts by correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers to revive him were unsuccessful.

A medical personnel was subsequently invited to examine the suspect before he was taken to a hospital for further confirmation.

Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo.

The victims were allegedly killed in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

The three suspects were arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

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

The incident caused confusion at the court premises as personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service, police officers, lawyers and other persons present watched efforts to revive the suspect.

The development occurred as the court was expected to deliver final judgment in the case.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the circumstances of Nwanlia’s death.

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