Nigerian Woman Wrongfully Declared Dead Prevails in Legal Battle for Home

June Ashimola, a 55-year-old Nigerian woman, has won a UK court case after being falsely declared dead. Her victory prevents a convicted fraudster from seizing her £350,000 home in Woolwich, London. The court found that the claims made against her were fraudulent, revoking the power of attorney granted to an individual who falsely claimed to be her husband.

A 55-year-old Nigerian woman, June Ashimola, has triumphed in a UK court after being wrongfully declared dead. Appearing remotely from Nigeria, she successfully contested a legal claim to her £350,000 home in Woolwich, London, initiated by a fraudulent party. Her ordeal had begun in February 2019 when she was falsely reported deceased, leading to a lengthy legal struggle over her property rights.

The court discovered that following Ashimola’s wrongful declaration of death, power of attorney was granted to Ms. Ruth Samuel, who represented a purported husband, Bakare Lasisi. This individual falsely claimed to have married Ashimola in 1993; however, the judge determined that both the marriage and Lasisi were fictitious. The investigation revealed that Ashimola had departed the UK for Nigeria in 2018 and had remained there since.

Deputy Master John Linwood highlighted that Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster, orchestrated a plot to unlawfully take over Ashimola’s property. He characterized the case as replete with fraud, forgery, impersonation, and intimidation, stating that it was unique for a deceased individual to assert her living status in court. The court proceedings confirmed Ashimola’s identity using passport photographs, affirming her survival and the invalidity of the claims made against her.

Upon thorough examination of the evidence, Deputy Master Linwood concluded that Ashimola was indeed alive and that the death certificate was a product of fraud. He denounced the marriage certificate to Lasisi as fabricated, asserting that neither the supposed spouse nor the power of attorney existed legitimately. Consequently, the court annulled the fraudulent power of attorney, reinstating Ashimola’s ownership of her valuable property.

The financial repercussions of the legal battle were significant, with accrued costs exceeding £150,000, potentially surpassing the property’s actual equity value. This case emphasizes the serious implications of identity fraud and the importance of legal verification in property disputes.

Titilope Adako, the journalist covering this case, remains committed to bringing significant issues to light, focusing on social justice and cultural topics in her reporting for Osun State and Nigeria.

In conclusion, June Ashimola’s successful legal battle underscores the vulnerabilities individuals face against identity fraud and the complexities of property rights. The case illustrates the critical need for legal integrity and thorough evidence presentation in court. Ashimola’s triumph not only restores her rightful ownership but also serves as a cautionary tale against fraudulent activities in property transactions.

Original Source: osundefender.com