A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, suddenly slumped and died inside the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday. The incident occurred moments after the court adjourned judgment in the case against him and two other defendants, Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo. They were standing trial over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder of three persons in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The victims of the alleged crime were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo. Their deaths had triggered a police investigation and arrests in 2022. Nwanlia and the other defendants were arrested by operatives of the police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, in an operation led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The matter was being heard at Court 11 of the Bayelsa State High Court, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi. The court had been scheduled to deliver judgment in the case on Tuesday. However, proceedings were adjourned to October 27, 2026, following the absence of the judge. Nwanlia reportedly developed hypertension and suffered a stroke while in custody at the Osaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa.
Shortly after the adjournment was announced, Nwanlia clutched his chest, suddenly slumped, and became unconscious. Court registry officials, correctional centre officers, police personnel, lawyers, and other people present in court were stunned by the sudden death. Medical personnel were subsequently invited to attend to the suspect and ascertain his condition. Nwanlia was later taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death.
The immediate medical cause of Nwanlia's death had yet to be officially established as of the time of reporting. However, it was reported that he had developed serious health complications while in custody, including hypertension and stroke. The incident has raised concerns about the health and well-being of suspects in custody and the need for adequate medical care.
The case involves allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder, and the defendants were facing trial for their alleged roles in the crime. The police investigation and arrests were carried out in 2022, and the case had been ongoing since then. The adjournment of the judgment to October 27, 2026, had been due to the absence of the presiding judge.
The death of Nwanlia has brought attention to the need for improved medical care and facilities for suspects in custody. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that suspects receive adequate medical attention while awaiting trial. The incident will likely raise questions about the handling of suspects in custody and the need for reforms in the justice system.
Key points
- A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, died in a Bayelsa State High Court after slumping while awaiting judgment in a case involving the alleged murder of three persons.
- Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two other defendants, Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.
- The incident has raised concerns about the health and well-being of suspects in custody and the need for adequate medical care.
