‘How ex-senator slipped, died in Abuja bathroom, corpse discovered after 3 days’

The death of former Senator Bello Mandiya has taken a heartbreaking turn following revelations that he reportedly slipped in his bathroom, hit his head and lay lifeless for about 72 hours before his body was discovered at his Abuja residence.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, recounted the circumstances surrounding his late colleague’s death during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13. A video of his account circulated widely on Thursday.

According to Ningi, Mandiya lived alone, and his absence went unnoticed for three days until the chief imam of Apo became concerned that the former lawmaker had missed prayers for three consecutive days.

Ningi, who was in Saudi Arabia when the incident occurred, said his son informed him of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who discovered the former senator’s body on September 7, 2026.

Recounting the events leading to the tragedy, Ningi said Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, September 4, after returning home and preparing to attend the congregational prayer.

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

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

The senator explained that the incident came to light after a foul smell began emanating from Mandiya’s apartment, raising concerns among residents and prompting them to investigate.

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

According to Ningi, those who eventually went to the residence forced the door open and found the former lawmaker dead in the bathroom.

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

Reflecting on the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the uncertainty of life, noting that political influence, wealth and social standing could not guarantee anyone protection from tragedy.

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

The Bauchi Central senator, who disclosed that he had known Mandiya since 2002, offered prayers for the deceased and extended his condolences to the family, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as his former constituents.

Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62.

He represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. Before his election to the Senate, he served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.