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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
There was panic at the Bayelsa State High Court yesterday when a 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, slumped and died while awaiting final judgment in a case involving conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
Nwanlia, alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, was arrested by police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The trio was arrested for the 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo, in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Prison sources said Nwanlia had developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while being held at the Medium Correctional Centre, Okaka.
Witnesses at the court said trouble started after the court clerk announced that the final judgment, earlier expected on Tuesday, had been adjourned to October 27, 2026, due to the absence of the judge.
According to the witnesses, Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and slumped.
Efforts by those around him to revive him reportedly failed, as he was pronounced dead.
His death reportedly left officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service, policemen and lawyers at the court stunned. The case, involving allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders, was consequently thrown into uncertainty following the death of one of the accused persons.
