Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted how former senator Bello Mandiya reportedly died after slipping and hitting his head in his bathroom, with his body discovered about 72 hours later at his residence in Abuja.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, narrated the circumstances surrounding Mandiya’s death during a Senate plenary session, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the uncertainty of life.
He said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of Mandiya’s death on Monday, September 7, 2026.
According to Ningi, a colleague last saw Mandiya at about 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, before the former lawmaker returned to his residence, where he lived alone.
Mandiya was reportedly preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when he slipped and hit his head after taking a 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.”
Ningi said nobody initially realised what had happened until a foul smell began emanating from Mandiya’s apartment, raising concerns among neighbours.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he told the Senate.
He 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, combined with the foul smell coming from the apartment, prompted residents to investigate.
Ningi said those who went to the residence eventually broke open the door and found 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.
Ningi Reflects on the Uncertainty of Life
Expressing sadness over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident showed how unpredictable life could be, regardless of a person’s position or wealth.
He extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented during his time in the Senate.
Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, reflected on the temporary nature of political office, wealth and social status.
“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.
Who Was Bello Mandiya?
Mandiya was a former senator who represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the ninth National Assembly from 2019 to 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
Before his election to the National Assembly, he served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
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.
