Panic erupted at the Bayelsa State High Court yesterday after a 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, suddenly collapsed and died while waiting for judgment in his trial.
Nwanlia was standing trial alongside 32-year-old Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murders.
The trio were arrested by operatives of Operation Puff Adder, now known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
They were accused in connection with the 2022 killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Paramount Ruler Kolibo Francis Amabelimo; and Samuel Oburo in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Nwanlia, who had been held at the Medium Correctional Centre, Okaka, was said to have developed serious health problems, including high blood pressure and stroke.
The drama unfolded after the court clerk announced that the judgment, earlier expected yesterday, had been shifted to October 27, 2026, reportedly because the judge was unavailable.
Witnesses said Nwanlia suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed in the courtroom.
Those around him reportedly rushed to his aid and attempted to revive him, but their efforts failed.
He was subsequently pronounced dead.
His sudden death reportedly stunned correctional officers, policemen, lawyers and others at the court, throwing the high-profile murder case into fresh uncertainty.
With one of the accused persons now dead, attention is expected to shift to the legal implications for the ongoing trial involving the remaining defendants.
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