Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has recounted how his late colleague, Bello Mandiya, reportedly slipped and hit his head in his bathroom, with his body discovered about 72 hours later at his residence in Abuja.
Ningi narrated the circumstances surrounding the former senator’s death during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. A video of his account went viral on Thursday, drawing attention to the tragic circumstances of Mandiya’s death.
According to Ningi, Mandiya lived alone, and his absence went unnoticed for approximately three days until the chief imam of Apo became concerned that the former lawmaker had missed prayers for three consecutive days.
The Bauchi Central senator said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who discovered the former senator’s body on September 7, 2026.
How Bello Mandiya reportedly died
Recounting the events leading to the discovery, Ningi said Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The former lawmaker had reportedly returned home and was preparing to attend the congregational prayer. He allegedly placed his cap and phones on his bed before going into the bathroom to take a bath.
Ningi explained that Mandiya reportedly slipped and hit his head after leaving the bathroom.
“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 said the incident remained undiscovered for days because Mandiya lived alone and no one immediately realised that he was missing.
Foul smell prompted residents to investigate
According to Ningi, concern grew when a foul smell began emanating from Mandiya’s apartment, prompting residents and others to investigate.
Those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and discovered the former senator’s lifeless body in the bathroom.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi told the Senate.
Describing the discovery, he said, “And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy.”
The account highlighted how the former lawmaker’s death remained unnoticed for approximately three days before his body was found.
Ningi reflects on life after former colleague’s death
Reflecting on the tragedy, Ningi said Mandiya’s death was a reminder that political office, wealth and material possessions could not shield anyone from life’s uncertainties.
“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” the senator said.
Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, offered prayers for the deceased and extended his condolences to the former senator’s family, the people of Katsina State and his former constituents.
Who was Bello Mandiya?
Bello Mandiya was a former senator who represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023.
Before becoming a senator, he served as chief of staff to Aminu Bello Masari, the former governor of Katsina State.
Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62, according to PUNCH Online.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described his death as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.
His death has drawn renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding his final hours and the importance of checking on people who live alone.