Nigerian Woman Falsely Declared Dead Stops Fraudster From Seizing Her UK Home

A Nigerian woman, June Ashimola, who was falsely declared dead, has made a surprising court appearance via videolink from Nigeria to stop a convicted fraudster from illegally taking ownership of her £350,000 home in the United Kingdom.

The Shocking Fraud Attempt

Ashimola was reported dead in February 2019 while in Nigeria, sparking a prolonged legal dispute over her estate. However, in a dramatic turn, she presented herself before High Court Judge John Linwood, confirming she was alive and had been the victim of an elaborate scam.

How the Fraud Unfolded

Court documents revealed that Ashimola had been in Nigeria since 2018. In 2022, Power of Attorney over her estate was granted to Ms. Ruth Samuel, representing Bakare Lasisi, who falsely claimed to have married Ashimola in 1993.

However, the judge ruled that Lasisi did not exist, and the entire claim was fraudulent.

A counterfeit death certificate was presented as evidence to the High Court, falsely stating that Ashimola had passed away. Further allegations claimed that any recent sightings of her were merely an impersonation.

Judge Exposes the Fraud Scheme

In court, Ashimola denied all claims regarding her alleged death, calling the documents “fraudulent” and confirming that her UK property in Woolwich, Southeast London, was unlawfully targeted.

Judge Linwood, referencing the case, remarked, “This is an unusual probate claim, as the deceased insists she is very much alive.”

Investigations revealed that Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster who previously served three years in prison for deception, had orchestrated the scam. The court noted that Ashikodi had been attempting to gain control of Ashimola’s property for years.

One of the most striking findings was the complete nonexistence of Lasisi, despite multiple fraudulent emails supposedly sent in his name.

Court Ruling and Legal Consequences

After reviewing the evidence, including passport photographs proving Ashimola’s identity, the court ruled that:

Ashimola is alive, and her death certificate was forged.
Ashikodi was the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme.
The alleged marriage to Lasisi was fabricated.
The Power of Attorney grant was obtained fraudulently and has been revoked.

Financial Burden and Legal Costs

The court disclosed that both parties had already incurred legal expenses exceeding £150,000, a sum that could surpass the equity value of the property.

This case highlights the extreme lengths fraudsters go to in order to claim assets illegally. It also underscores the importance of legal due diligence in property ownership disputes.

For more details on this shocking case, visit DailyMail UK.