A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, died on October 6, 2026, after slumping in a Bayelsa State High Court. The incident occurred while Nwanlia was awaiting judgment in a case involving allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping, and multiple murders. According to reports, Nwanlia collapsed shortly after the court adjourned the delivery of its final judgment to October 27, 2026, due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi.
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.
An eyewitness reported 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. 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.
According to reports, Nwanlia had developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka. The circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately clear, as no official medical cause had been released at the time of the incident.
The incident left correctional officials, police personnel, lawyers, and others in shock. The court, presided over by Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, was the scene of the incident. The case had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, and it is unclear how Nwanlia's death will affect the trial of the remaining suspects.
The police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, had been investigating the case. CSP Chris Nwaogbo headed the unit that made the arrests. The case involves serious allegations, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and multiple murders.
The incident raises questions about the health care and conditions of detention for suspects in custody. Nwanlia's death is currently under investigation, and it is unclear whether an autopsy will be performed to determine the official cause of death.
Key points
- A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, died after slumping in a Bayelsa State High Court while awaiting judgment.
- Nwanlia was being prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the 2022 killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and other prominent individuals.
- The circumstances surrounding Nwanlia's death, including any potential links to his health complications while in custody, are currently unclear.
