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Tragedy struck at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday as a 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, slumped and died shortly after his case was adjourned.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two co-defendants, 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, over charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and the alleged murder of three prominent individuals in the Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The victims of the alleged 2022 killings were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo. The trio of suspects was arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder (now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit), led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The incident occurred at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi. Nwanlia, who had reportedly developed severe health complications including hypertension and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yenagoa, was awaiting judgment in the capital case.
When the court announced an adjournment to October 27, 2026, due to the absence of the trial judge, Nwanlia suddenly collapsed.
A court registry official who witnessed the tragedy unfold spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and became unconscious,” the official said.
Efforts by court officials, security personnel, and lawyers present to revive him at the scene proved unsuccessful. Shocked correctional officers, police personnel, and legal practitioners quickly summoned medical staff to assess his condition.
Nwanlia was subsequently rushed to a medical facility for further examination, where he was officially pronounced dead. (NAN)Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha,
