LAGOS OCTOBER 7TH (NEWSRANGERS)-A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia slumped and died while awaiting judgment in a Bayelsa State High Court case involving allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
Nwanlia reportedly collapsed shortly after the court adjourned the delivery of its final judgment to October 27, 2026, because of the absence of the presiding judge.
The incident occurred at the High Court, presided over by Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, leaving correctional officials, police personnel, lawyers and others in shock.
Nwanlia and two other suspects, Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo, were arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The suspects were being prosecuted over the 2022 killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba, Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Nwanlia was said to have developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka.
An eyewitness told The Guardian that tension rose at the court’s holding area after the adjournment of the judgment was announced.
The source said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest, slumped and became unresponsive.
“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” the source said.
Efforts by those around him to revive him reportedly failed.
A medical personnel was invited to examine Nwanlia and confirm his condition before his remains were taken to a hospital for further confirmation.
The circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately clear, as no official medical cause had been released at the time of filing this report.
Nigeria Guardian
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