June Ashimola, a 55-year-old Nigerian woman, has emerged victorious in a legal battle to reclaim her £350,000 London home after being falsely declared dead in an elaborate fraud scheme. Appearing via video link from Nigeria, Ashimola stunned the UK High Court with proof that she was alive, exposing a web of deceit orchestrated by convicted fraudster Tony Ashikodi.
Ashimola, who left the UK for Nigeria in 2018, was falsely reported dead in 2019. Fraudsters produced a forged death certificate and claimed she had left no will. They even concocted a fictitious husband, Bakare Lasisi, to seize control of her estate. Power of attorney over her property was fraudulently granted to Ruth Samuel, an associate of Ashikodi.
Deputy Master John Linwood described the case as “an unusual probate claim in that the deceased says she is very much alive.” The judge ruled that Ashimola’s alleged death and marriage were fabrications designed to steal her property. He found that Lasisi did not exist and that Ashikodi had masterminded the scam.
Despite visa issues preventing her physical attendance, Ashimola’s identity was confirmed through passport photos. Her testimony exposed the fraudulent documents used against her, including a fake marriage certificate and emails purportedly from the imaginary Lasisi.
Ashikodi, previously jailed for property deception in 1996, was described as having a “cavalier disregard for the truth.” His own sister testified against him, stating he could forge “anything from Nigeria.” The court revoked all fraudulent claims over Ashimola’s estate and restored her ownership of the Plumstead property.
The case has drawn attention for its audacity and complexity, with legal costs exceeding £150,000. Judge Linwood’s ruling not only vindicates Ashimola but also serves as a stark warning against such brazen attempts at fraud.
