In a shocking turn of events, June Ashimola, a Nigerian woman who was falsely declared dead, appeared in a UK High Court via videolink from Nigeria to stop a convicted fraudster from seizing her £350,000 home in London.
Ashimola was allegedly pronounced dead in February 2019, triggering a legal battle over her estate. However, she proved she was alive and exposed a complex fraud scheme involving fake documents, impersonation, and a fabricated husband.
The court heard that Power of Attorney over her estate was wrongfully granted to associates of Tony Ashikodi, a convicted fraudster with a history of deception. A supposed death certificate and claims of a 1993 marriage to a mysterious “Bakare Lasisi” were used to justify the takeover of her property. However, the judge ruled that Lasisi did not exist and that the documents were forged.
Despite visa challenges preventing her from appearing in person, Ashimola’s identity was confirmed through passport photos. The judge ultimately revoked the fraudulent Power of Attorney, declaring the case an elaborate attempt to steal her property.
Legal fees in the case have already exceeded £150,000—an amount that could surpass the property’s equity—raising further concerns about the lengths criminals go to in property fraud cases.
