Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted how his colleague, Senator Bello Mandiya, reportedly died after slipping in his bathroom and hitting his head, with his body discovered about 72 hours later at his Abuja residence.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, shared the details during Senate plenary, explaining that neighbours discovered Mandiya’s lifeless body after a foul smell began emanating from his apartment.
According to Ningi, he was in Saudi Arabia when he received a telephone call from his son informing him of the incident. He said his son was among those who discovered the former lawmaker’s body on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Ningi told the Senate that Mandiya had reportedly been preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when he slipped and hit his head after taking his bath.
“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 nobody initially realised what had happened until the smell from Mandiya’s apartment began spreading to neighbouring properties.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he told the Senate.
Ningi added that the Chief Imam of Apo also raised concerns after noticing that Mandiya, who regularly attended the five daily Muslim prayers with other worshippers, had been absent for three consecutive days.
The imam’s concern, combined 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 discovered Mandiya’s body in the bathroom.
Expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident was a reminder of the uncertainty of life and the fact that nobody could predict when death would come.
