Murder suspect dies after collapsing in Bayelsa court

A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, has died after reportedly collapsing shortly after his appearance before the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two other defendants over allegations bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three persons in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at Court 11 shortly after Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi adjourned judgment in the matter to October 27, 2026.

Nwanlia was said to have suddenly complained of chest pain before collapsing in the court’s holding area.

Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers reportedly rushed to his aid and attempted to revive him before medical personnel were called to the scene.

He was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead, while his remains were later deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Judiciary, Mr Enoch Okunobo, said the deceased had been a regular attendee at the court in connection with the criminal case.

“Somebody collapsed and died today. He was a murder suspect who had been coming to court. His corpse has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC),” Okunobo said.

The development reportedly caused confusion among court officials, lawyers, security personnel and other persons at the court premises.

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Nwanlia and the two other defendants had been facing trial over the alleged killing of three persons in Kalaba community in 2022.

However, the allegations against the defendants had not been finally determined by the court before Nwanlia’s death.

Sources said the deceased had experienced some health challenges while in custody, although authorities had yet to establish the immediate cause of death.

The Bayelsa State Police Command also reacted to the development.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said he was not aware of the incident when contacted.

“I am not aware of the incident,” Mohammed said, adding that he would make inquiries and revert.

As of the time of filing this report, the police spokesman had yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.

The cause of death remained unknown pending medical confirmation.