Nigerian Woman, Declared Dead, Wins Court Battle for Home Ownership

June Ashimola, a Nigerian woman falsely declared dead, wins a UK court battle to reclaim her £350,000 home in Woolwich after it was targeted by fraudsters. The intriguing legal case involved false claims made by a convicted fraudster, asserting marriage to Ashimola. The High Court dismissed these claims, confirming her identity and revoking power of attorney granted based on fraudulence.

June Ashimola, a 55-year-old Nigerian woman who was mistakenly declared dead, recently appeared via video link before the UK High Court to protect her property valued at £350,000 in Woolwich, southeast London. Her declaration of death in February 2019 initiated a complicated legal dispute over her estate. Ashimola asserted her existence during the hearing, identifying herself as a victim of fraud.

Initially, power of attorney over her estate had been granted to Ruth Samuel, who acted on behalf of Bakare Lasisi, an individual who falsely claimed to have married Ashimola in 1993. The judge determined that this purported marriage was fictitious and that no person named Lasisi existed. Court records indicated that Ashimola had departed the UK for Nigeria in 2018 and had not returned since.

By October 2022, Samuel was awarded power of attorney based on claims made by the nonexistent Lasisi, who sought ownership of Ashimola’s estate. Deputy Master John Linwood concluded that Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster, masterminded the scheme to gain control over Ashimola’s property. Linwood commented on the case’s complexity, noting it involved extensive fraud and impersonation.

Despite visa issues preventing her physical appearance in court, Ashimola’s identity was confirmed through her passport photographs. Consequently, the judge rejected all claims against her estate. Deputy Master Linwood declared that Ashimola was indeed alive and found the death certificate to be fraudulent.

In summary, June Ashimola’s recent court victory reinstates her ownership of a £350,000 property after being wrongfully declared dead. The ruling identified the fraudulent actions of individuals attempting to seize her estate, notably Tony Ashikodi, and clarified the legitimacy of her identity. As a result, the power of attorney previously granted has been revoked, reaffirming Ashimola’s legal rights to her property against fraudulent claims.

Original Source: punchng.com