UK Lists 58 Unclaimed Nigerian Deceased: Public Reacts Divergently

Responses have followed the enumeration of 58 late Nigerian citizens with abandoned estates in the UK, predominantly comprising single men, unmarried women, divorcees, and widowed individuals. The marital classification was omitted for some, save for one individual identified as a spouse.

PUNCH Diaspora Tales It was learned that the UK government, via the Solicitor’s Treasury, released a list containing 58 names of deceased Nigerian individuals whose estates fall under 'Bona Vacantia.' This compilation includes their names, dates of passing, locations where they died, marital status details, and corresponding Bona Vacantia reference numbers.

Included among the Nigerians mentioned was Adenike Adebiyi, whose date of passing is not known, from Hackney, London N1, described as a spinster and referenced with BV number BV21003032/1. Also listed was Arbel Aai'Lotta'Qua Abouarh, who passed away on February 5, 1998, in Chiswick, London W4; he was noted as a widower and documented under BV reference BV984930/1.

Other individuals listed include Akanni Jeremiah Adejumo, who sadly passed away on March 31, 2017, in Muswell Hill, London N10 (reference number BV21711076/1), and Solomon Adekanmibi, who died on January 31, 2021, in Colchester, Essex (reference number BV22207473/1). Both had unspecified marital statuses.

The complete roster of 58 Nigerians provides comprehensive details including death dates that stretch from 19 July 1995 (for Julius Taiwo Akinyeye from Derby, recorded as BV960071/1) all the way to 24 May 2021 (pertaining to Louisa Holmes from Cheam, noted down as BV22201373/1). These individuals were found across various parts of the United Kingdom, with some being identified in cities like London, Birmingham, Leeds, and others.

This progression has ignited conversations among Nigerians and expatriates alike, prompting numerous individuals to voice their opinions on platforms like social media. The topics of discussion range from mortgages and taxes to the importance of writing a will.

Another turn of events led some individuals to point fingers at the large-scale migration of Nigerians and other Africans seeking better opportunities, suggesting this was responsible for deaths occurring before proper asset transfers to relatives were made under legal procedures.

Regarding the incident, an English-based Nigerian lawyer from London named Efuru Nwapa stated that Nigerians became victims due to not adopting the practice of drafting wills, which would have facilitated the correct transfer of assets to their heirs.

She stated that such occurrences inevitably take place when individuals from abroad neglect to lawfully transfer management of their tangible possessions, resources, and monetary wealth to their relatives prior to passing away.

She said, "Failure to create a will and undertake proper estate planning often leads to these issues. Despite residing in a region where such preparations are crucial, many Nigerians avoid drafting their wills due to lack of belief in doing so. Consequently, without designated heirs for one’s property, the state assumes control over the deceased's assets. Similarly, should someone pass away without leaving a will and lacking kin or appointed administrators for their estate—thus dying intestate—the same outcome occurs."

Regarding the progress, an X user, @beebee_78, noted, "Many of these unowned assets might remain vacant due to inheritance taxes as well as unpaid and overdue tax or mortgage obligations." Nevertheless, they recommended, "Transfer your holdings into a living trust and ensure they are insured, roughly speaking."

"Hundreds of abandoned estates uncover hidden narratives of African migration, prosperity, and severed familial connections. Daily, thousands pass away in the UK without a will or identifiable heirs, including numerous Nigerians and other Africans with assets like properties and savings that go unclaimed," noted @sierraeyesalone.

@Jaynepha stated, "I hope Nigerians living abroad—including those outside of the UK—take notice. It would be unfortunate to accumulate all these possessions just for them to go unclaimed upon your death simply because you did not share this information with your children or relatives."

"As a UK resident, I am familiar with firms known as Heir Hunters who seek out possible relatives and provide assistance in claiming assets, often charging a fee or taking a share of the estate. Many individuals may be deprived of their inheritance due to ignorance or failure to meet legal timelines. Properties left unclaimed might end up neglected or deteriorate, impacting nearby neighborhoods," explained @IEnakhena.

As stated by the user, "Individuals who assert they have a valid claim may submit their application along with legally recognized evidence of their familial connection."

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).