Nigerian Woman Overcomes False Death Declaration in UK Legal Battle

June Ashimola, a Nigerian woman wrongfully declared dead, won a UK court case against a fraudster who sought to seize her property. After presenting evidence of her identity via video, the court confirmed her life and dismissed fraudulent claims regarding her supposed death, restoring her rightful ownership of the £350,000 home.

A Nigerian woman, June Ashimola, aged 55, has successfully contested a false declaration of her death in the United Kingdom. Participating via video link from Nigeria, she appeared before the UK High Court to prevent a convicted fraudster from claiming her property—valued at £350,000—located in Woolwich, southeast London. Ashimola had been incorrectly declared dead in February 2019, leading to disputes regarding her estate.

The legal proceedings revealed that after Ashimola was declared deceased, power of attorney was assigned to Ms. Ruth Samuel, who falsely represented herself on behalf of Bakare Lasisi, a supposed husband, claiming an illegitimate marriage to Ashimola in 1993. The court determined that this marriage and Lasisi himself were fraudulent constructs, and thus did not exist, as confirmed by Deputy Master John Linwood.

Court records indicated that Ashimola departed the UK for Nigeria in 2018 and had not returned since. By late 2022, Ruth Samuel gained power of attorney posed on behalf of the fictitious Lasisi to claim Ashimola’s property. The judge’s findings uncovered Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster with a history of deception, as the mastermind behind the attempted takeover of Ashimola’s home.

Deputy Master Linwood characterized the case as involving severe misconduct, stating, “This claim involves wide-ranging allegations of fraud, forgery, impersonation and intimidation.” He highlighted the peculiar nature of Ashimola asserting her presence while being officially declared deceased.

Due to visa issues limiting Ashimola’s physical attendance, her identity was verified through passport photographs, leading to a dismissal of the fraudulent claims against her estate. Following careful examination of the evidence, Linwood affirmed her status as alive, declaring the death certificate to be forged or fraudulently produced. He refuted claims linking Ashimola to Mr. Lasisi, branding the marriage certificate as concocted.

The Court found Ashikodi’s actions to be misleading, asserting that both he and Samuel were likely complicit in creating fraudulent documentation. Consequently, the power of attorney was annulled, thus reinstating Ashimola’s rightful ownership of her property. The court also noted the high legal costs involved, exceeding £150,000, which may surpass the equity value of the estate.

June Ashimola’s legal victory against the false declaration of her death highlights significant issues regarding fraud in property claims. The case exposes the criminal activities of individuals like Tony Ashikodi, who attempted to exploit Ashimola’s situation. With the court reinstating her ownership, this ruling not only restores Ashimola’s rights but also serves as a warning against fraudulent practices targeting vulnerable individuals.

Original Source: osundefender.com