The United Kingdom (UK) government has released a list of people who died in the UK without any family members coming forward to claim their properties. Among them are 58 Nigerians whose estates—houses, money, and other belongings—have remained unclaimed for years.
What Happens to These Properties?
When a person dies without a will or known family members, their property is labelled “Bona Vacantia,” a Latin phrase meaning “vacant goods.” In such cases, the UK government takes control of the properties. However, if rightful family members come forward with proof, they can claim the estates before the government fully takes them over.
Who Are These Nigerians?
The UK’s list, released on Monday, March 24, 2025, includes the names of the deceased Nigerians, their birth and death dates, and where they died. Below is the full list:
- Arbel Aai’Lotta’Qua Abouarh – Died in Chiswick, London
- Adenike Adebiyi – Died in Hackney, London
- Akanni Jeremiah Adejumo – Died in Muswell Hill, London
- Solomon Adekanmibi – Died in Colchester, Essex
- Ganiyu Akambi Aderinto – Died in Archway, London
- Richard Adesanya – Died in Hackney, London
- Jeff Adhekeh – Died in South Kensington, London
- Isaac Ademola Adio – Died in Harrow, Middlesex
- Julius Ajidahuan – Died in Ilford, Essex
- Julius Taiwo Akinyeye – Died in Derby, Derbyshire
- Charles Ayodele Aliu – Died in Solihull, West Midlands
- Peter Ifeanyi Arinze – Died in Camberwell, London
- Folayele Festus Awosika – Died in Hammersmith, London
- Olajide Ayinde – Died in Hackney, London
- Matthew Balogun – Died in Clapham, London
- Henry Banjoko – Died in Hampstead, London
- John Olaolu Bankole – Died in London EC1V
- Tessi Bello – Died in Camden, London
- Peter Benson – Died in Stratford, London
- Paul Benard – Died in Camden, London
- Eugene Bucknor – Died in Brockley, London
- Samuel Emeka Chude – Died in Birmingham
- Nathaniel Davies – Died in Clapton, London
- Charles Dixon – Died in Basingstoke, Hampshire
- Enwukwe Graham Kwedi Ede – Died in Lambeth, London
- Sunny Eyo Edem – Died in Ilford, Essex
- Victor Adedapo Olufemi Fani-Kayode – Died in Birmingham, West Midlands
- Bose Abosede Elizabeth Fige – Died in Paddington, London
- Samuel William MacAuley Godwin – Died in Lambeth, London
- Salamatu Harford – Died in South Norwood, London
- Louisa Holmes – Died in Cheam, Sutton
- Tamunokombia Morris Isodiki – Died in Camden, London
- Oyinoluwa Ttijesulase Jesugoodness – Died in Tottenham, London
- Ibidun Johnson – Died in Peckham, London
- William Kadry – Died in Fulham, London
- Victoria Myers – Died in St. John’s Wood, London
- Mark N’Wogo – Died in Surrey Mid-Eastern, Surrey
- Zacheus Idowu Ogunsanya – Died in Camberwell, London
- Ifetayo Oguntayo – Died in Upper Edmonton, London
- John Emanuel O’Hosi – Died in Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Stephen Oliyide – Died in Catford, London
- Joyce Omoni – Died in Peckham, London
- Adeoye Kuyoro Onanuga – Died in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
- Kayode Orishagbemi – Died in Northampton, Northamptonshire
- Tex Orrico – Died in Marylebone, London
- Florence Baby Osikpa – Died in Paddington, London
- Kate Blessing Osolase – Died in Wednesbury, West Midlands
- Francis Ossai – Died in Highgate, London
- Sunday Owolabi – Died in Whitechapel, London
- Gabriel Nduaguba Ozokoli – Died in Edmonton, London
- Cecilia Ricketts – Died in Hackney, London
- Henry George Babatunde Taylor – Died in St. Pancras, London
- John Uzoma – Died in Camden, London
- Akinlolu Olaniran Williams – Died in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
- Akinola Williams – Died in Northampton, Northamptonshire
- Nathaniel Babatunde Williams – Died in Birmingham, West Midlands
- Samuel Ademola Williams – Died in Wanstead, London
- Salihu Ajadi Yusuff – Died in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Can Their Families Still Claim the Properties?
Yes! If any relatives of these Nigerians come forward with proof of their relationship, they may still be able to inherit the estates. This is why the UK government is making the list public—to help families find out if they have a lost inheritance.
What Should Families Do?
If you think one of these names belongs to your relative, you can contact the UK Bona Vacantia Division to start the process of making a claim. You will need to provide documents, such as birth certificates or proof of family connection, to show you are the rightful heir.
Why Does This Matter?
Many people leave behind properties and wealth when they die, and without a will or family members to claim them, the estates become government property. This list gives Nigerians a chance to reclaim what might belong to their families.
For more details, visit the UK government’s official website or contact legal professionals who can help with the claim process.
