Former Senator Bello Mandiya reportedly slipped and hit his head in the bathroom of his Abuja residence, where his body remained undiscovered for about 72 hours, according to Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, recounted the circumstances surrounding his late colleague’s death during Senate plenary on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. A video of his account circulated widely on Thursday.
According to Ningi, Mandiya lived alone in Abuja. His absence went unnoticed for days until concerns raised by a religious leader and a foul smell from his apartment prompted residents to investigate.
HOW THE TRAGEDY OCCURRED
Ningi explained that Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, 4 September 2026. The former senator had returned home and was preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer.
Before entering the bathroom, Mandiya reportedly placed his cap and mobile phones on his bed before going to bathe.
Recounting the incident, Ningi said Mandiya slipped after his bath and struck his head in the bathroom.
The former lawmaker lived alone, meaning nobody was immediately aware of the accident or able to offer assistance.
HIS ABSENCE RAISED CONCERN
Ningi said Mandiya’s prolonged absence eventually attracted attention after the Chief Imam of Apo noticed that the former senator had missed prayers for three consecutive days.
Mandiya was reportedly a regular participant in the five daily prayers, making his sudden absence unusual.
Meanwhile, a foul smell began emanating from his apartment and spreading to neighbouring properties, further raising concerns among residents.
Those who went to check on him eventually forced the door open and discovered his lifeless body in the bathroom.
Ningi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, said his son informed him of the death. His son was among those who discovered Mandiya’s body on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Addressing the Senate, Ningi expressed sadness over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, describing the incident as a painful reminder of life’s uncertainty.
He said: “For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, he added that political positions and material possessions could not guarantee anyone protection from life’s uncertainties.
“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” Ningi said.
He also prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and offered condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and his former constituents.
MANDIYA’S POLITICAL CAREER
Bello Mandiya died at the age of 62. He represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the Ninth National Assembly from 2019 to 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Before becoming a senator, he served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
During his time in the Senate, Mandiya chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources and participated in legislative activities at the national level.
His death attracted tributes from political leaders and former colleagues, who acknowledged his contributions to public service in Katsina State and Nigeria.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described his passing as a significant loss to the state and the country.
Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, used the incident to reflect on the temporary nature of life, reminding lawmakers that public office, wealth and social standing cannot eliminate human vulnerability.
