Bello Mandiya, a former senator who represented the Katsina South Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62 in Abuja.
The funeral prayer for the late lawmaker was scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque in Abuja, followed by his interment according to Islamic rites.
His death was publicly announced by his close associate, Malam Maiwada DanMalam, and later confirmed by Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda. The official cause of death has not been disclosed.
In an official statement released by his media aide, Governor Dikko Radda expressed deep sadness over Mandiya’s passing:
”I received with shock and deep sadness the news of the death of Senator Bello Mandiya. His passing is a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria. Senator Mandiya dedicated part of his life to public service and served our people with commitment. His contributions will remain remembered.”
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan paid tribute to his former colleague, describing Mandiya as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who brought intellect and diligence to his work, noting his service as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
Waziri Adio, Former Executive Secretary of NEITI and founder of Agora Policy, Waziri Adio, reflected on his long-standing friendship with Mandiya dating back to 1988, describing his death as a painful loss.
The former lawmaker was born on February 19, 1964, Mandiya studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos. Served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari between May 2015 and May 2019.
He was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019, Mandiya represented Katsina South in the Senate until May 2023.
