Ex-senator Bello Mandiya reportedly slipped in bathroom, body found three days later

Former senator Bello Mandiya reportedly slipped in his bathroom and hit his head, with his body discovered about 72 hours later at his Abuja residence, according to Senator Abdul Ningi.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, recounted the incident during a Senate plenary session, saying he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of Mandiya’s d+ath.

According to Ningi, Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11am on Friday, September 4, 2026, before returning to his residence, where he lived alone.

He said the former lawmaker was preparing to attend Friday prayers when he reportedly slipped after bathing and struck his head in the bathroom.

“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.”

Ningi explained that Mandiya’s body was discovered on Monday, September 7, after a foul smell from his apartment raised concerns among neighbours.

The chief imam of Apo also reportedly became concerned after Mandiya missed prayers for three consecutive days.

Residents eventually broke open the door and found the former senator’s body in the bathroom.

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

Reflecting on the incident, Ningi said it highlighted the uncertainty of life, adding that wealth and political positions could not guarantee permanence.

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

Mandiya represented Katsina South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2019 to 2023. He previously served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.