Nigerian Woman Declared Dead Appears in Court by Videolink From Nigeria to Stop Convicted Fraudster from Seizing Her £350,000 London Home

June Ashimola, 55, who was falsely declared dead has appeared in court via videolink from Nigeria to stop a convicted fraudster from seizing her £350,000 London home

A woman who was falsely declared dead has appeared in court via videolink from Nigeria to challenge an attempt to seize her £350,000 London home. June Ashimola, 55, was officially recorded as deceased in February 2019, leading to a prolonged legal battle over her estate. However, she presented herself before High Court judge John Linwood to prove she was alive and had been the victim of fraud.

The court heard that power of attorney over her estate, primarily consisting of a house in Woolwich, had been fraudulently granted to associates of Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster. Ms. Ashimola, who left the UK for Nigeria in 2018 and had not returned, was shocked to discover her estate was being contested using forged documents.

In October 2022, power of attorney over the estate was granted to Ruth Samuel on behalf of Bakare Lasisi, who claimed to have married Ms. Ashimola in 1993. The judge ruled that Mr. Lasisi did not exist, dismissing the claims as fraudulent. A copy of Ms. Ashimola’s alleged death certificate was submitted to the court, but she argued that it was false and had been used to improperly obtain control of her estate.

The case was heard at the High Court with the judge ruling that Ms Ashimola is indeed alive

Deputy Master Linwood described the case as an unusual probate claim in which the supposed deceased was alive to contest it. The matter involved allegations of fraud, forgery, impersonation, and intimidation. The court had to determine key questions, including whether Ms. Ashimola was indeed alive, whether the person claiming to be her was genuine, and whether she had ever been married to Mr. Lasisi.

Due to visa issues, Ms. Ashimola was unable to attend the court in person, which the judge acknowledged made aspects of her evidence unsatisfactory. However, after verifying her identity through passport photos and testimony, the judge ruled in her favor, concluding that she was truthful in her claims.

The court found that Mr. Ashikodi had orchestrated the fraud in an attempt to take control of the property. The judge also determined that Mr. Lasisi did not exist and that the purported emails from him were fabricated. The death certificate and power of attorney were deemed fraudulent, and the individuals who relied upon these documents, including Mr. Ashikodi and Ms. Samuel, were either directly involved in the forgery or aware of its falsehood.

Deputy Master Linwood revoked the power of attorney grant and ruled in favor of Ms. Ashimola. The legal proceedings had already led to costs exceeding £150,000, which could surpass the value of the property.