A murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, awaiting judgement in a case involving conspiracy, kidnapping and the alleged killing of three people in Kalaba community in Bayelsa, on Tuesday slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa.
Penpushing reports that Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, an operation which was led by Chris Nwaogbo, a chief superintendent of police.
Penpushing further reports that Nwanlia reportedly developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while in custody at the Osaka Medium Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, however, reportedly slumped shortly after the court adjourned judgement in the case to October 27, 2026, following the judge’s absence.
The judge, Justice Amadise Ekadi was presiding at Court 11, when Nwanlia collapsed at Court, a court registry official who witnessed the incident said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and became unconscious.
Penpushing also reports that the court official said immediately the adjournment was announced, the suspect clutched his chest, slumped and died, adding that efforts by those around him to revive him were unsuccessful.
The 50-year-old suspect was subsequently taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death, however, correctional centre officers, police personnel and lawyers were stunned by the development.
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