A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly collapsed and died at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Nwanlia was awaiting judgment in a case involving alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three people in Kalaba community.
He was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged killings in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo.
The suspects were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit. The operation was led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
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Nwanlia reportedly developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while being held at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa.
He collapsed shortly after the court adjourn the judgment in the case to October 27, 2026, following the absence of the judge.
The incident occurred at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi.
A court registry official who witnessed the incident said Nwanlia suddenly held his chest before becoming unconscious.
Efforts by people at the court to revive him were reportedly unsuccessful. Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers were said to have been shocked by the development.
Medical personnel were called to examine him before Nwanlia was taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death.
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