On Tuesday, 50‑year‑old Bethlehem Nwanlia, a suspect in a 2022 triple‑murder case, suddenly collapsed and died moments after the [Bayelsa State High Court](https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/judiciary) in Yenagoa adjourned his trial to 27 October 2026.
**What were the circumstances of the death?**
Nwanlia was being tried alongside two co‑defendants for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murder. While waiting in the court’s holding area, he clutched his chest and fell to the floor. Security officers from the [Nigerian Correctional Service](https://ncs.gov.ng), police personnel and attending lawyers attempted resuscitation, but the efforts failed.
**Who confirmed the incident?**
Bayelsa State Judiciary Public Relations Officer Enoch Okunobo told reporters that the body was taken to the [Federal Medical Centre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Medical_Centre_(Nigeria)) mortuary for further examination. He said, “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).”
**What were the charges against the accused?**
The three men faced accusations linked to the killing of three individuals in the Kalaba community of Yenagoa Local Government Area in 2022. The court had not rendered a verdict before Nwanlia’s death.
**Has a cause of death been established?**
Reports indicated that Nwanlia had experienced health complications while in custody, but officials had not yet determined the exact cause of his demise at the time of reporting.
**What is the response from law enforcement?**
When approached, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Mohammed said he was unaware of the incident, promised to investigate, and had not provided further details yet.
The sudden death caused confusion among court officials, lawyers, security staff and other persons present at the premises.