UK Publishes Details Of Unclaimed Estates Belonging To 58 Dead Nigerians
In a significant announcement that has caught the attention of many Nigerians, the UK Government has released a comprehensive list of unclaimed estates belonging to deceased individuals from across the globe, including 58 Nigerians. These estates, which total 5,806 deceased persons, are categorized under the legal term “Bona Vacantia,” a phrase used to describe assets that have no rightful claimant. If no valid claim is made for the properties, they become the property of the Crown, which is the British monarchy.
The official list, compiled and updated by the UK Treasury Solicitor’s office, was last updated on March 26, 2025. The information provides essential details, including the names of the deceased individuals, their dates of birth and death, the locations where they died, their marital status, and official reference numbers.
The publication of this list has sparked widespread interest, as it offers an opportunity for potential heirs to claim the properties. The estates have remained unclaimed for various reasons, including a lack of known heirs or the failure of relatives to come forward and assert their claims.
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“Bona Vacantia” is a Latin term that translates to “vacant goods.” It refers to the estate of a deceased person who has no known heirs or legal representatives to claim their property. Under UK law, these estates are held by the Crown. However, interested parties who can prove their relationship to the deceased can make a legitimate claim to the assets through the UK Government’s Bona Vacantia division. The claims process requires potential heirs to present documentary evidence such as birth certificates, marriage records, and other official documents that link them to the deceased.
Under UK law, unclaimed estates are typically held for a period of 30 years. After this time, if no rightful heir comes forward, the estate is legally considered the property of the Crown. For many of these unclaimed estates, particularly those belonging to foreign nationals like Nigerians, this process raises important questions about inheritance rights and the challenges of tracing heirs across international borders.
The newly released list reveals 58 Nigerians whose estates have been left unclaimed. The reasons behind the lack of claims vary from unknown heirs to the absence of proper documentation, making it difficult for potential relatives to step forward. Here are some notable individuals included in the list:
The 58 full list including date of death:
1. Arbel Aai’Lotta’Qua Abouarh Nigeria 5/2/1998 Chiswick London W4 Widower BV984930/1
2. Adenike Adebiyi Nigeria Unknown Hackney London N1 Spinster BV21003032/1
3. Akanni Jeremiah Adejumo Nigeria 31/03/2017 Muswell Hill London N10 Unknown BV21711076/1
4. Solomon Adekanmibi Nigeria 31/01/2021 Colchester Essex Unknown BV22207473/1
5. Ganiyu Akambi Aderinto Not specified 20/07/2016 Archway London N19 Unknown BV21808132/1
6. Richard Adesanya Nigeria 20/07/2016 Hackney London E9 Unknown BV21808132/1
7. Jeff Adhekeh Nigeria Unspecified South Kensington London SW7 Unknown BV22107842/1
8. Isaac Ademola Adio Nigeria 17/08/2012 Harrow Middlesex Bachelor BV21304418/1
9. Julius Ajidahuan Nigeria Unspecified Ilford Essex Bachelor BV2097929/1
10. Julius Taiwo Akinyeye Ondo, Nigeria 19/07/1995 Derby Derbyshire Unknown BV960071/1
11. Charles Ayodele Aliu Nigeria 31/03/2011 Solihull West Midlands Bachelor BV21213206/1
12. Peter Ifeanyi Arinze Nigeria 23/03/2000 Camberwell London SE5 Bachelor BV2026061/1
13. Folayele Festus Awosika Nigeria 1/3/2001 Hammersmith London W6 Unknown BV2037690/1
14. Olajide Ayinde Nigeria 25/04/1997 Hackney London E9 Bachelor BV974293/1
15. Matthew Balogun Nigeria 31/12/2005 Clapham London SW4 Bachelor BV2084437/1
16. Henry Banjoko Nigeria Unknown Hampstead London NW3 Bachelor BV2074183/1
17. John Olaolu Bankole Ibadan, Nigeria 27/04/2010 London EC1V Husband BV21105049/1
18. Tessi Bello Nigeria 15/10/2003 Camden London NW3 Bachelor BV2051782/1
19. Peter Benson Nigeria 1/2/2019 Stratford London E15 Unknown BV21918199/1
20. Paul Benard Lagos, Nigeria Unknown Camden London NW1 Widower BV2087609/1
21. Eugene Bucknor Nigeria 2/3/2021 Brockley London SE4 Bachelor BV22108784/1
22. Samuel Emeka Chude Nigeria Unspecified Birmingham Unknown BV21201209/1
23. Nathaniel Davies Nigeria 7/4/2010 Clapton London E5 Bachelor BV21211255/1
24. Charles Dixon Nigeria 4/8/2018 Basingstoke Hampshire Unknown BV21817506/1
25. Enwukwe Graham Kwedi Ede Nigeria 6/1/2011 Lambeth London SE1 Unknown BV21106358/1
26. Sunny Eyo Edem Calabar, Nigeria 16/09/2011 Ilford Essex Widow BV21114789/1
28. Bose Abosede Elizabeth Fige Bendel, Nigeria 4/5/2008 Paddington London W2 Spinster BV2085258/1
29. Samuel William MacAuley Godwin Nigeria 25/02/2010 Lambeth London SE1 Bachelor BV21106495/1
30. Salamatu Harford Nigeria Unspecified South Norwood London SE25 Widow BV2091608/1
31. Louisa Holmes Nigeria 24/05/2021 Cheam Sutton Spinster BV22201373/1
32. Tamunokombia Morris Isodiki Nigeria Unspecified Camden London NW1 Single man BV2011682/1
33. Oyinoluwa Ttijesulase Jesugoodness Nigeria 4/5/2011 Tottenham London N15 Unknown BV21400247/1
34. Ibidun Johnson Nigeria 14/02/2003 Peckham London SE15 Unknown BV21307554/1
35. William Kadry Nigeria Unspecified Fulham London SW6 Bachelor BV21200174/1
36. Victoria Myers Nigeria 7/8/2010 St.Johns Wood London NW8 Widow BV21914328/1
37. Mark N’Wogo Nigeria Unknown Surrey Mid-Eastern Surrey Unknown BV93623/1
38. Zacheus Idowu Ogunsanya Nigeria 29/08/2003 Camberwell London SE5 Unknown BV2040843/1
39. Ifetayo Oguntayo Ogun State, Nigeria 20/11/2016 Upper Edmonton London N18 Single man BV21705991/1
40. John Emanuel O’Hosi Nigeria 18/02/2007 Leeds West Yorkshire Bachelor BV2071815/1
41. Stephen Oliyide Nigeria 20/10/2013 Catford London SE6 Bachelor BV21508718/1
42. Joyce Omoni Nigeria 28/02/2014 Peckham London SE15 Spinster BV21503408/1
43. Adeoye Kuyoro Onanuga Nigeria 30/08/2008 Kingston upon Thames Surrey Unknown BV21609894/1
44. Kayode Orishagbemi Yola, Nigeria Unspecified Northampton Northamptonshire Bachelor BV21202011/1
45. Tex Orrico Lagos, Nigeria 28/09/2009 Marylebone London W1 Bachelor BV20911088/1
46. Florence Baby Osikpa Nigeria 8/1/2015 Paddington London WC2 Spinster BV21501417/1
47. Kate Blessing Osolase Nigeria 9/9/2014 Wednesbury West Midlands Unknown BV21906100/1
48. Francis Ossai Nigeria 21/01/2000 Highgate London N6 Unknown BV2064064/1
49. Sunday Owolabi Nigeria 26/04/2020 Whitechapel London E1 Bachelor BV22015871/1
50. Gabriel Nduaguba Ozokoli Nigeria 23/04/1994 Edmonton London N18 Unknown BV22005943/1
51. Cecilia Ricketts Nigeria 15/10/2010 Hackney London E9 Spinster BV21110413/1
52. Henry George Babatunde Taylor Lagos, Nigeria Unknown St Pancras London WC1 Unknown BV2077793/1
53. John Uzoma Nigeria 14/07/2016 Camden London NW3 Unknown BV21815461/1
54. Akinlolu Olaniran Williams Lagos, Nigeria 26/07/2013 Sheffield South Yorkshire Bachelor BV21315131/1
55. Akinola Williams Nigeria 16/02/2008 Northampton Northamptonshire Widower BV2081939/1
56. Nathaniel Babatunde Williams Lagos, Nigeria 22/02/2009 Birmingham West Midlands Bachelor BV2092299/1
57. Samuel Ademola Williams Nigeria 21/01/2016 Wanstead London E11 Bachelor BV21808988/1
58. Salihu Ajadi Yusuff Nigeria 4/1/2017 Leeds West Yorkshire Unknown BV21713497/1
This list includes individuals who passed away across different time periods, some as recently as 2020, with others dying as far back as 1998. The information provided allows for a more in-depth search for those seeking to claim these estates, but it also raises significant questions about the challenges and complexities of tracing heirs for foreign nationals in the UK.
Anyone who believes they may have a legitimate claim to any of the unclaimed estates can apply through the UK Government’s Bona Vacantia division. To initiate the claim process, potential heirs must provide relevant documentation that establishes their relationship to the deceased person. These documents can include:
- Birth certificates: To establish a direct familial relationship with the deceased.
- Marriage records: If the claimant is a spouse or in some cases, a partner, marriage records may be required.
- Death certificates: To confirm the death of the individual in question.
- Other official documents: These could include documents such as affidavits, wills, or any legal papers that connect the claimant to the deceased.
Once the claim is submitted, it undergoes a thorough review. If the claimant’s relationship to the deceased can be confirmed and they meet all legal requirements, they will be granted access to the estate.
Unclaimed estates are typically managed by the Bona Vacantia division of the UK Government. When a person dies and there are no known heirs or a will, their estate is transferred to this division, which is tasked with locating potential claimants. If no legitimate claims are made within the statutory 30-year period, the estate is permanently transferred to the Crown.
Bona Vacantia estates may consist of a wide variety of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and even business interests. In some cases, estates can be quite large, especially when the deceased person owned valuable property or assets in the UK.
In the case of the 58 Nigerians listed, their estates might include assets such as property in London, bank accounts, or other investments that have remained unclaimed due to the lack of awareness or proper documentation among their relatives.
There are several challenges that potential heirs may face when attempting to claim an unclaimed estate. These include:
- Lack of Documentation: For many Nigerians living abroad, there may not be clear or easily accessible documentation proving the familial relationship. Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records are often required, and obtaining these documents, especially if they were issued in Nigeria, can be a lengthy and complicated process.
- Language Barriers: In some cases, there may be language barriers or challenges related to the translation of legal documents. Many Nigerian nationals living in the UK may not have the necessary resources or legal support to navigate these obstacles.
- Distance and Legal Complications: Many of the individuals on the list died in the UK, but their families may be living in Nigeria or other countries. This creates logistical issues for both tracing potential heirs and obtaining the necessary documentation. In addition, differences in legal systems may complicate the claim process, requiring legal professionals familiar with both Nigerian and UK laws.
- Unknown Heirs: In some cases, the deceased individual may not have left behind any immediate family, or the heirs may be unaware of the estate. This can make the process of claiming the estate significantly more difficult.
There are several reasons why estates remain unclaimed for long periods of time, including:
- Lack of Knowledge: Many individuals, especially those from other countries, may not be aware that their relative has passed away or that they have an estate in the UK. This is particularly true in cases where the deceased person had limited contact with their family members or relatives.
- Absence of a Will: If the deceased individual did not leave a valid will, it becomes much harder for their relatives to claim the estate. Without a legal will, there may be no clear documentation indicating the rightful heirs.
- Disputes Over Inheritance: In some cases, there may be disputes among family members over who has the right to inherit the estate. These disputes can delay the claims process or even lead to a complete lack of claim.
- Difficulties in Tracing Relatives: In some cases, particularly with individuals who migrated from other countries, their families may have dispersed over time or may no longer have contact with the deceased’s country of residence. This makes it difficult to locate potential heirs.
The publication of the list of unclaimed estates belonging to 58 deceased Nigerians in the UK is a significant moment for Nigerians who may have lost touch with their relatives in the UK or may have been unaware of the estates left behind by their loved ones. It provides an opportunity for potential heirs to come forward and claim what rightfully belongs to them.
For those interested in making a claim, the process involves providing the necessary documentary evidence to the UK Government’s Bona Vacantia division. Although the process can be complex, it offers a chance to reclaim assets that might otherwise have been lost to the Crown.
This list also highlights the broader issue of inheritance and the challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad. Whether due to distance, lack of awareness, or legal barriers, the problem of unclaimed estates is a reminder of the importance of keeping accurate records and maintaining connections with family members, especially when it comes to inheritance matters.
Source: The Trent
