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 about 72 hours after he reportedly slipped and hit his head.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, told the Senate that Mandiya’s disappearance from his usual activities, coupled with a foul smell emanating from his apartment, eventually prompted neighbours and other concerned residents to investigate.

Speaking during plenary, the Bauchi senator 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, Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11am on Friday, September 4, before returning to his residence, where he lived alone.

The former lawmaker was reportedly preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when the fatal incident occurred.

Ningi explained that Mandiya had taken his personal belongings, including his cap and phones, and placed them on his bed before entering the bathroom to bathe. He allegedly slipped and hit his head after finishing 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 told the Senate.

“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom.”

Absence Raises Alarm

Ningi said Mandiya’s absence went unnoticed for three days, despite his regular participation in religious activities and his established routine.

The senator disclosed that the chief imam of Apo became concerned after the former lawmaker failed to attend the five daily Muslim prayers for three consecutive days.

The situation took a more disturbing turn when a foul smell began spreading from Mandiya’s apartment to neighbouring properties.

The combination of his prolonged absence and the unusual smell prompted residents to check on him. After gaining access to the apartment, they discovered his lifeless body in the bathroom.

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi said during the session.

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

Expressing sorrow over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi described the incident as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the impermanence of power, wealth and social status.

He extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents the late senator represented during his time in the National Assembly.

Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, stressed that neither political influence nor material possessions could shield anyone from life’s uncertainties.

“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.

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 ninth National Assembly, serving until 2023.

During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Following news of his death, political leaders and former colleagues paid tributes to the late lawmaker, acknowledging his contributions to public service in Katsina State and at the national level.