A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has died after reportedly collapsing during proceedings at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa.

Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two other defendants over allegations bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murder when he collapsed at Court 11 on Tuesday.

The incident occurred shortly after Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi adjourned judgment in the case until October 27, 2026.

Suspect reportedly clutched chest before collapsing

Witnesses said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest before collapsing in the court’s holding area.

Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, police personnel and lawyers reportedly attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

A medical personnel was subsequently called to examine him before his body was taken to a hospital for further confirmation. His remains were later deposited at the Federal Medical Centre mortuary.

The Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Judiciary, Enoch Okunobo, confirmed the incident, saying the deceased was a murder suspect who had been attending court for the case.

Case linked to 2022 killings

Nwanlia and the two other defendants were facing allegations connected to the 2022 killing of three people in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

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

The case had not been finally determined by the court before Nwanlia’s death.

Cause of death yet to be established

Reports indicated that Nwanlia had experienced health complications while in custody, with some reports stating that he had developed hypertension and suffered a stroke.

However, authorities had not officially established the immediate cause of his death as of the time of filing the report.

The incident reportedly caused confusion among court officials, lawyers, correctional officers, police personnel and other people at the court premises.

When contacted, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said he was not aware of the incident. He, however, promised to make inquiries and provide further information.

Nwanlia’s death brings an end to the proceedings against him, but the allegations against the other defendants remain before the court.