How Senator Mandiya slipped, died in bathroom — Ningi

Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted how his late colleague, Bello Mandiya, reportedly slipped and hit his head in his bathroom, with his body remaining undiscovered for about 72 hours at his Abuja residence.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, said Mandiya was found dead on September 7, 2026, after his absence from prayers for three consecutive days raised concern among those who knew him.

The account emerged during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13, with a video of Ningi’s narration circulating widely on Thursday.

According to Ningi, Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, September 4, when he returned home and prepared to attend the congregational prayer.

“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 explained that Mandiya lived alone, meaning his absence did not immediately attract attention. The situation changed when the chief imam of Apo became concerned after the former lawmaker failed to attend prayers for three consecutive days.

Ningi said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son contacted him with news of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who discovered the former senator’s body.

A foul smell coming from Mandiya’s apartment further heightened concerns and prompted people to investigate the situation.

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he said.

Those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and found the former lawmaker dead in the bathroom.

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

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Reflecting on the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident demonstrated the uncertainty of life, regardless of a person’s political standing or financial status.

“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” Ningi said.

Ningi, who said he had known Mandiya since 2002, also prayed for the deceased and extended his condolences to his family, the people of Katsina State and his former constituents.

Mandiya died at the age of 62 on Monday, September 7, 2026. He represented Katsina South Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023 and previously served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.