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Senator Abdul Ningi has recounted the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Senator Bello Mandiya, whose body was reportedly discovered in the bathroom of his Abuja residence about 72 hours after he allegedly slipped and hit his head.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, narrated the incident during Senate plenary, explaining that Mandiya’s body was discovered after a foul smell began emanating from his apartment, raising concerns among neighbours.

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.

The senator told his colleagues that Mandiya had reportedly been preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when the fatal incident occurred.

Ningi explained that Mandiya had taken out his cap and phones and placed them on his bed before entering the bathroom to bathe.

“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.

He said nobody initially knew what had happened to Mandiya, who had apparently remained inside his apartment for three days without anyone realising that he was in distress.

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

The senator added that the Chief Imam of Apo had also become concerned over Mandiya’s prolonged absence from the mosque, noting that the former lawmaker was a regular participant in the five daily Muslim prayers.

The imam reportedly noticed that Mandiya had missed prayers for three consecutive days, prompting further concern about his whereabouts.

The combination of his unexplained absence and the foul smell coming from his apartment eventually prompted residents to investigate.

Ningi said those who went to the residence forced the door open and discovered Mandiya’s lifeless body in the bathroom.

Expressing sadness over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi described the incident as a sobering reminder of the uncertainty of life and the unpredictability of death.

His account brought a sombre moment to the Senate as lawmakers reflected on the circumstances in which their colleague reportedly died alone in his residence without immediate assistance.