Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted the circumstances surrounding the death of former Katsina South Senator, Bello Mandiya, whose body was discovered in the bathroom of his Abuja residence after he had reportedly been out of contact for about three days.
Speaking during plenary in the Senate, Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, said Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, before returning to his residence, where he lived alone.
According to Ningi’s account, the former senator was preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer and had placed his cap and phones on his bed before going to take 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 told the Senate.
“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom.”
Ningi’s account suggests that Mandiya remained undiscovered until Monday, September 7, when concerns about his prolonged absence and a foul smell from the apartment prompted residents to investigate. The precise circumstances of the death, including the reported fall, were presented by Ningi in his tribute to the Senate.
The senator said the Chief Imam of Apo had also become concerned after noticing that Mandiya, who regularly attended the five daily prayers, had not been seen for three consecutive days.
Residents eventually forced open the door to the apartment and found the former lawmaker’s body in the bathroom.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi said.
“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 called to inform him of Mandiya’s death, adding that his son was among those who went to the residence when the body was discovered.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Ningi described the death as a reminder of the uncertainty of life and 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 extended condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents the late lawmaker represented, while praying for Allah to grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Mandiya represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the Ninth National Assembly from 2019 to 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Before his election to the Senate, he served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari. He also chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources. His death was announced in September by the Katsina State Government, which described it as a loss to the state and the country.
Former colleagues have since paid tribute to Mandiya for his years of public service, with the Senate also mourning the former lawmaker during plenary.
.. “For 72 Hours, Nobody Knew Where Bello Mandiya Was” — Ningi Recounts How Former Senator Was Found Dead In Abuja Bathroom … NewsNGR.
