Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom

Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted the circumstances surrounding the death of his former colleague, Bello Mandiya, whose body was reportedly discovered in the bathroom of his Abuja residence about 72 hours after he was last seen.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, said Mandiya’s body was discovered after a foul smell began emanating from his apartment, raising concerns among neighbours over his prolonged absence.

The senator gave the account during a Senate plenary session, recalling that he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of Mandiya’s death.

According to Ningi, his son was among those who discovered the former lawmaker’s body on Monday, September 7, 2026.

He said 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 was preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when he reportedly slipped and hit his head after taking his bath.

“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 nobody initially realised what had happened until the smell from Mandiya’s apartment began spreading 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 with other worshippers, had been absent for three consecutive days.

The imam’s concern, combined with the foul smell from the apartment, prompted residents to investigate.

According to Ningi, those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and found Mandiya’s lifeless body in the bathroom.

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

Ningi Mourns Former Colleague

Expressing sadness over the circumstances of Mandiya’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the uncertainty of life and the fact that nobody could predict when death would come.

He extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented in the Senate.

Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, described the loss as a reminder that political office, 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.

The senator also prayed for Allah to grant Mandiya eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.

Mandiya’s Political Career

Before his election to 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 National Assembly.

He served in the ninth Senate until 2023 and chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

His death prompted tributes from political leaders and former colleagues, who remembered him for his contributions to public service in Katsina State and at the national level.

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