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A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, suddenly slumped and died inside the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday, moments after the court adjourned judgment in the case against him.
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Nwanlia was facing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three persons in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
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The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo, whose deaths had triggered a police investigation and arrests in 2022.
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Nwanlia, who reportedly developed hypertension and suffered a stroke while in custody, collapsed after judgment was further adjourned to October 27 following the absence of the presiding judge.
October 06, (THEWILL) – A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, on Tuesday slumped and died inside the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa while awaiting judgment in a case involving the alleged murder of three persons.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of the three victims in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo.
Nwanlia and the other defendants were arrested in 2022 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.
Shortly after the adjournment was announced, Nwanlia clutched his chest, suddenly slumped, and became unconscious.
Confirming the development, a court registry official, said that the development happened immediately after the adjournment was announced.
“Immediately after the adjournment was announced, one of the suspects clutched his chest, slumped and died,” a court registry official, said, adding that efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The sudden death stunned correctional centre officers, police personnel, lawyers and other people present in court.
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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.
Nwanlia was said to have developed serious health complications while in custody at the Osaka Medium Correctional Centre in Yenagoa. The complications reportedly included hypertension and stroke.
However, the immediate medical cause of his death had yet to be officially established as of the time of filing the report.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
