Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of his former colleague, Bello Mandiya, whose body was discovered in the bathroom of his Abuja residence approximately 72 hours after he was last seen alive.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, shared the account during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the uncertainty of life and the limits of political position and material wealth.
According to Ningi, Mandiya had been living alone in his Abuja residence when the incident occurred. The former senator was last seen by a colleague at approximately 11am on Friday, September 4, 2026, before returning home to prepare for the Friday congregational prayer.
Ningi explained that Mandiya had placed his cap and mobile phones on his bed before entering the bathroom to take a bath. However, tragedy reportedly struck when he slipped after bathing and hit 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 told the Senate.
“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom.”
Because Mandiya lived alone, nobody immediately realised that he had suffered a serious accident. His absence subsequently went unnoticed for several days, leaving his whereabouts unknown to those who might otherwise have checked on him.
Ningi said the situation began attracting attention when the chief imam of Apo noticed that Mandiya, who regularly attended Muslim prayers, had been absent for three consecutive days.
The prolonged absence raised concerns, particularly because the former lawmaker was known to participate in the daily prayers. At about the same time, a foul smell reportedly began coming from his apartment, prompting further concern among residents.
The combination of the imam’s observations and the smell coming from the residence eventually led people to investigate.
Those who went to the apartment forced the door open and discovered Mandiya’s lifeless body in the bathroom.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi said while recounting the incident.
“And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy.”
Ningi disclosed that he was in Saudi Arabia when his son telephoned him with the news of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who went to the residence and discovered the former senator’s body on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Ningi expressed sadness over the loss of his colleague and the fact that the incident had gone unnoticed for approximately three days.
He used the occasion to remind his fellow lawmakers that public office, wealth and social standing could not shield anyone from life’s uncertainties.
“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” he said.
Ningi also offered prayers for the deceased and extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented during his time in the National Assembly.
Mandiya died at the age of 62. He represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the Ninth National Assembly from 2019 to 2023 after winning election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Before entering the Senate, he served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari. During his time in the upper legislative chamber, he also chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
His death prompted tributes from political leaders and former colleagues, who remembered his years of public service in Katsina State and at the national level.
For Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, the circumstances surrounding his colleague’s death offered a sobering reflection on how unexpectedly life can end.
The account also drew attention to the risks faced by people who live alone, particularly when an accident leaves them unable to call for help. In Mandiya’s case, his absence from regular prayers and the concerns raised by people around him eventually led to the discovery.
Although the precise circumstances described by Ningi have not been independently established in the accounts reviewed, his recollection before the Senate has brought renewed attention to the former lawmaker’s final hours and the importance of checking on people whose sudden absence raises concern.
