Murder suspect collapses, dies in Bayelsa courtroom

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

According to PUNCH, Nwanlia was standing trial with two other defendants over allegations of conspiracy, kidnapping and the murder of three people in Kalaba community in 2022.

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

Nwanlia reportedly complained of chest pain before collapsing in the court’s holding area. Correctional officers, police personnel and lawyers attempted to revive him before he was taken to hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Bayelsa State Judiciary spokesman Enoch Okunobo confirmed the incident.

“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 immediate cause of death remains unknown pending medical confirmation.