A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, on Tuesday slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court, Yenagoa Division.

Mr Nwanlia was awaiting judgment in a case involving conspiracy, kidnapping and the alleged murder of three persons in Kalaba community.

He was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged murders in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo.

Operatives of Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, arrested the suspects in 2022. CSP Chris Nwaogbo led the operation.

Mr Nwanlia was said to have developed health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while in custody at the Osaka Medium Correctional Centre, Yenagoa.

He reportedly slumped shortly after the court adjourned judgment in the case to October 27, 2026, following the judge’s absence.

Mr Nwanlia collapsed at Court 11, presided over by Justice Amadise Ekadi.

A court registry official who witnessed the incident told journalists that Mr Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and became unconscious.

“Immediately the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” the source said.

Efforts by those around him to revive him were unsuccessful.

Correctional centre officers, police personnel and lawyers were stunned by the development, while medical personnel were invited to ascertain his condition.

Mr Nwanlia was subsequently taken to a hospital for further medical examination and confirmation of his death. 

(NAN)