Drama turned tragic at the Bayelsa State High Court on Tuesday when a 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, slumped and died while awaiting judgment in a case involving alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the 2022 killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo 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, under the leadership of CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The case had reached the stage of final judgment when tragedy struck inside the courtroom.
According to eyewitnesses, tension gripped the court after the clerk announced that the judgment had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, following the absence of the presiding judge.
Shortly after the announcement, Nwanlia reportedly clutched his chest before suddenly collapsing.
Efforts by those present to revive him reportedly failed, as the suspect died before he could receive further medical attention.
His sudden death left officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, police personnel, lawyers and other people at the court stunned.
Prison sources said Nwanlia had developed serious health complications while in custody at the Medium Correctional Prison, Okaka, including high blood pressure and stroke.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death had not been officially established as of the time of filing this report.
The deceased was being held in connection with a case involving the alleged murder of three people, including Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Diri.
The development means the court will now have to contend with the death of one of the accused persons as proceedings continue against the remaining defendants.
