Lawmaker Reveals How Senator Mandiya Died, Body Found After 72 Hours

Senator Abdul Ningi has narrated how the body of his late colleague, Bello Mandiya, was discovered in the bathroom of his Abuja residence about three days after he reportedly slipped and hit his head.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, said Mandiya’s prolonged absence from his usual activities and a foul smell coming from his apartment eventually prompted residents to check on him.

Speaking during a Senate plenary session, Ningi said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of Mandiya’s death.

He said his son was among those who found the former lawmaker dead on Monday, September 7, 2026.

According to Ningi, Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11am on Friday, September 4, before returning to his residence, where he lived alone.

Ningi explained that Mandiya had been preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer after bathing when he reportedly slipped and struck his head.

“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath,” Ningi said.

“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom.”

The senator said Mandiya’s absence went unnoticed for days until the smell from his apartment began to spread to neighbouring properties.

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he told the Senate.

Ningi added that the chief imam of Apo also became concerned after noticing that Mandiya, who regularly attended the five daily Muslim prayers, had been absent for three consecutive days.

The imam’s concern, coupled with the smell coming from the apartment, led residents to investigate. Those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and discovered Mandiya’s body in the bathroom.

“And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy,” he said.

Expressing grief over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the unpredictability of life. He also extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented in the Senate.

Ningi said he had known Mandiya since 2002 and described his death as a reminder that political positions, wealth and social standing could not protect anyone from life’s uncertainties.

“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” he said.

He prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.

Before joining the Senate, Mandiya served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

He was elected in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Katsina South Senatorial District in the ninth National Assembly, where he served until 2023. He also chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Following his death, political leaders and former colleagues paid tribute to him, recalling his contributions to public service in Katsina State and at the national level.