The UK government has published a list of 58 unclaimed estates that belonged to deceased Nigerians. These estates, which include money, properties, and other valuable assets, remain unclaimed because no rightful heirs have stepped forward. For many families, this could be a life-changing opportunity to claim what rightfully belongs to them.
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In this article, we will break down what unclaimed estates are, how Nigerians can check if they have a right to any of these assets, and the steps to take to claim them before they are lost forever.
What Are Unclaimed Estates?
When a person dies without leaving a legal will or known next of kin, their assets become unclaimed estates. In the UK, these assets are managed by the Bona Vacantia Division of the UK Government, which holds the property for a limited time before it becomes the permanent property of the Crown.
Many Nigerians who lived and worked in the UK may have passed away without proper documentation of their heirs. As a result, their estates remain unclaimed, even when family members in Nigeria or elsewhere have a rightful claim.
Why Are These Estates Unclaimed?
Several reasons could explain why so many estates belonging to deceased Nigerians are unclaimed:
- No legal will – If a person dies without a will, it becomes difficult to determine their rightful heirs.
- Lack of awareness – Many families in Nigeria have no idea their relatives owned assets in the UK.
- No known next of kin – If the deceased had no immediate family in the UK, their estate may remain unclaimed.
- Complicated legal process – Claiming an estate requires proper documentation, and many potential heirs don’t know how to navigate the UK legal system.
- Family separation – Some Nigerians in the UK may have lost touch with their relatives over time, making it hard for heirs to come forward.
Recent Update from the UK Government
The United Kingdom has published a detailed list of unclaimed estates belonging to 5,806 deceased individuals, including 58 Nigerians, under the legal classification of “Bona Vacantia.” This term refers to assets left without a rightful heir, which consequently fall under the ownership of the Crown.
According to the most recent update from the UK Treasury Solicitor’s office, released on March 26, 2025, these estates remain unclaimed as no relatives or legal beneficiaries have come forward to claim ownership. The published list includes vital details such as:
- Names of the deceased
- Birth and death dates
- Locations where they passed away
- Marital status
- Official reference numbers
Among the Nigerians named in the release are:
- Arbel Aai’Lotta’Qua Abouarh – Died: February 5, 1998, Chiswick, London
- Adenike Adebiyi – Died: Unknown, Hackney, London
- Akanni Jeremiah Adejumo – Died: March 31, 2017, Muswell Hill, London
- Solomon Adekanmibi – Died: January 31, 2021, Colchester, Essex
- Richard Adesanya – Died: July 20, 2016, Hackney, London
- Isaac Ademola Adio – Died: August 17, 2012, Harrow, Middlesex
Other notable names include John Olaolu Bankole, Victor Adedapo Olufemi Fani-Kayode, Samuel Emeka Chude, and Sunday Owolabi. The full list is available on the Bona Vacantia website.
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Legal Implications of Unclaimed Estates in the UK
Under British law, unclaimed estates are held by the Crown for 30 years. If no legitimate heir steps forward to claim ownership within this timeframe, the assets permanently become Crown property.
How to Claim an Unclaimed Estate
Potential heirs who believe they have a rightful claim to any of these estates can file an application through the Bona Vacantia Division of the UK Government. To support their claims, they must present legal documents, including:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage records
- Other relevant proof of their relationship with the deceased
Steps to Claim an Estate:
- Check the Bona Vacantia List – Visit the official UK Government Bona Vacantia website and search for any familiar names.
- Gather Necessary Documents – Collect proof of your relationship to the deceased.
- Submit a Claim – File an application through the Bona Vacantia Division.
- Follow the Legal Process – The claim may take several months to process, and multiple claimants may require further verification.
Final Thoughts: Act Now Before It’s Too Late
If you have Nigerian relatives who lived in the UK and passed away, now is the time to check whether you have a legal right to any unclaimed estates.
The UK Government’s recent release of 58 estates belonging to deceased Nigerians is a wake-up call for families to claim their inheritance before it is permanently lost.
By checking the official Bona Vacantia list, gathering necessary documents, and following the proper legal steps, you may be able to reclaim an estate that belongs to your family. Don’t wait too long—once these estates are absorbed by the UK government, they are gone forever.
For more information on how to make a claim, visit the UK Bona Vacantia Division’s website
