Circumstances of the Fall in Abuja

Former Senator Bello Mandiya was reportedly found dead in the bathroom of his Abuja residence on Monday, September 7, 2026, approximately 72 hours after he allegedly slipped and hit his head, Senator Abdul Ningi informed the Senate.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident during a plenary session. He conveyed deep sorrow that the former federal lawmaker remained undiscovered for three days while residing alone in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the account shared on the floor of the upper chamber, Mandiya was last seen alive by a colleague at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, before heading back to his house. The former lawmaker had been preparing to attend the weekly congregational prayers when the fatal accident occurred.

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.

— Senator Abdul Ningi, Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Nigerian Senate

Unanswered Calls and Discovery at Apo Residence

Senator Ningi revealed that he was in Saudi Arabia when his son phoned to alert him about Mandiya’s demise. Apprehension regarding the former lawmaker's safety grew after he failed to appear at the mosque for three consecutive days, leading the chief imam of Apo to raise concerns.

The situation escalated when neighbouring residents detected a foul smell emanating from Mandiya's flat. Alarmed by the development, neighbours mobilised to break down the entrance to the apartment, where they discovered his remains in the bathroom.

For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was.

— Senator Abdul Ningi, Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Nigerian Senate

Reflecting on the tragic sequence of events, Ningi remarked that the incident served as a stark reminder of human mortality, observing that political power, financial wealth, and social prestige offer no immunity against life's uncertainties.

There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth.

— Senator Abdul Ningi, Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Nigerian Senate

Public Service Record and Broader Implications

Mandiya represented Katsina South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) between 2019 and 2023. During his four-year legislative tenure, he served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Prior to his transition to the National Assembly, Mandiya worked in executive administration as the chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

The circumstances of his passing, as narrated on the floor of the Senate, have underscored the vulnerabilities faced by people living alone, emphasising the necessity of regular communication networks among family members, friends, and neighbours to detect emergencies promptly.