50-year-old accused allegedly slumps after court adjourns case involving Gov Diri’s in-law
YENAGOA — A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumped and died at the Bayelsa State High Court on Tuesday while awaiting final judgment in a case involving alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over the alleged 2022 murders of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, as well as Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo and Samuel Oburo in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Police Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
The court premises reportedly became tense after the case was adjourned to October 27, 2026, following the absence of the judge scheduled to deliver the final judgment.
According to eyewitnesses, shortly after the adjournment was announced, Nwanlia allegedly clutched his chest, slumped and became unresponsive.
A source said efforts by those around him to revive him proved unsuccessful.
“He clutched his chest, slumped and died immediately after the adjournment was announced,” the source said.
Nwanlia had reportedly developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke-related symptoms, while being held at the Medium Correctional Centre, Okaka.
The sudden incident reportedly left officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service, police personnel and lawyers at the court stunned.
A medical personnel was subsequently invited to examine the suspect and confirm his condition.
He was later taken away for further medical confirmation at a hospital.
The development has further delayed the conclusion of the case, which is now scheduled for October 27.
The circumstances surrounding Nwanlia’s death were not immediately clear as of press time.
Tags: Bayelsa State, Gov Douye Diri, Bethlehem Nwanlia, Murder Suspect, Bayelsa High Court, Kalaba Community, Kidnapping, Nigeria Police, Violent Crime Response Unit, Nigeria Correctional Service
Meta Description: A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumps and dies at a Bayelsa High Court while awaiting judgment in a case involving the alleged murder of Gov Douye Diri’s in-law and two others.
