Former Senator Bello Mandiya Found Dead in Bathroom Three Days After Fall

Former Senator Bello Mandiya Found Dead in Bathroom Three Days After Fall

 

Former Senator Bello Mandiya, who represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the ninth National Assembly, has died after reportedly slipping and hitting his head in his Abuja residence, with his body discovered about three days later.

 

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, disclosed the circumstances surrounding Mandiya’s death during a Senate plenary session, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the fragility of human life.

 

According to Ningi, Mandiya was believed to have suffered the fatal accident on Friday, September 4, 2026, after taking his bath and preparing to attend the congregational Juma’at prayer.

 

His lifeless body was eventually discovered on Monday, September 7, after neighbours became concerned about his prolonged absence and a foul smell emanating from his apartment.

 

Recounting the incident, Ningi said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of the death. His son was reportedly among those who discovered the former lawmaker’s body.

 

Ningi told the Senate that a colleague had last seen Mandiya at about 11am on Friday before he returned to his residence, where he lived alone.

 

“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath,” Ningi said.

 

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

 

The former senator was not discovered immediately, leaving him undiscovered for approximately 72 hours.

 

Ningi said concern over Mandiya’s absence was heightened when the chief imam of Apo noticed that the former lawmaker, who regularly attended the five daily prayers, had missed prayers for three consecutive days.

 

The imam’s concern, coupled with the foul smell coming from the apartment, prompted residents to investigate.

 

According to Ningi, those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and found Mandiya’s body in the bathroom.

 

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

 

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

 

Expressing grief over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the unpredictability of life, irrespective of a person’s political position, wealth or social standing.

 

He also extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented during his time in the Senate.

 

Ningi, who said he had known the deceased since 2002, described his passing as a painful loss and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.

 

Mandiya’s political career

 

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 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 and participated in legislative activities at the national level.

 

His death has prompted tributes from political leaders and former colleagues, who have remembered him for his contributions to public service in Katsina State and Nigeria.

 

Reflecting on the loss, Ningi told his colleagues that the circumstances surrounding Mandiya’s death offered a sobering lesson about the impermanence of power, wealth and public office.

 

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