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CHECK FULL LIST: Dead Nigerians, Africans, others without will may lose unclaimed estates in UK - PUNCH
Hundreds of unclaimed estates reveal untold stories of African migration, wealth, and family ties left behind.
Thousands of people die every year in the United Kingdom without leaving a will or identifying next of kin, and among them are many Nigerians and other Africans whose estates—ranging from property to savings—remain unclaimed.
The UK government’s latest list of unclaimed estates, updated daily, includes over 170 entries connected to African-born individuals, with Nigerians making up a significant portion of the cases.
A Legacy Lost
For many migrants, the UK became a home away from home—a land of opportunity where they built wealth, purchased property, and created a life.
However, the absence of a will often results in their assets being classified as “bona vacantia” (ownerless goods), leaving them to the custody of the Crown.
Families back in Africa are frequently unaware of these estates, leading to a permanent loss of assets.
Cases like that of Adenike Adebiyi, who passed away in Hackney, London, in 2004, or Solomon Adekanmibi, who died in Colchester, Essex, in 2021, highlight the consequences of dying intestate.
With no identified next of kin or missing documentation, their estates remain unclaimed, and their legacies risk being forgotten.
Why It Matters
This phenomenon underscores a critical issue: many African families are unaware of their relatives’ financial situations abroad.
Migration often disrupts communication, and without clear documentation, the wealth built overseas remains beyond reach.
The loss isn’t just financial—it’s deeply cultural and emotional. Unclaimed estates represent untold family histories, connections, and the struggles of migrants who built their lives in the diaspora.
The Challenges
Lack of Awareness: Most families in Nigeria and other African countries are unaware of their relatives’ estates abroad or how to access them.
Genealogical Gaps: The information provided in official records is often incomplete. For example, many entries in the UK unclaimed estates list lack detailed family history or next-of-kin information.
Cultural Hesitations: In many African cultures, discussing death and wills is considered taboo, leading to reluctance in planning for asset distribution.
A Call to Action
African governments, community organizations, and legal professionals need to raise awareness about this issue.
Here’s what can be done:
Encouraging Will Writing: Migrants in the diaspora should be educated about the importance of drafting wills to protect their assets.
Genealogical Support: Families in Africa can be assisted in tracing unclaimed estates through local or international partnerships.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Social and traditional media can highlight the importance of estate planning and share resources for families.
How to Check the List
The UK government maintains a public Unclaimed Estates List that is updated daily.
Families can search the list by name, place of birth, or other identifiers to check for potential claims.
What can be done?
This piece has highlighted the issue of unclaimed estates in the UK, particularly those linked to deceased Nigerians and Africans who passed away without a will.
Advisory for Families of Deceased Individuals with UK Connections:
If you have a relative who:
>span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem]">Passed away in the UK without leaving a will.
Lived in the UK but retired to Nigeria and subsequently died without a will.
It’s crucial to investigate whether they left behind unclaimed assets. Here’s what you can do:
Consult the Bona Vacantia List:
Verify Eligibility: >span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem]">To claim an estate, you must be an entitled relative, such as a spouse, child, sibling, or other close family member. The UK government’s guidelines detail the hierarchy of entitled relatives.
Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather essential documents, including:
A detailed family tree illustrating your relationship to the deceased.
Birth, marriage, and death certificates as evidence of lineage.
Personal identification documents.
Submit a Claim: Contact the UK Government Legal Department’s Bona Vacantia Division to initiate the claim process. Provide all required documentation to support your claim.
Be Mindful of Time Limits: Claims are typically accepted within 12 years from the date the estate administration was completed, with interest paid on the money held. In some cases, claims can be made up to 30 years after the death, though without interest.
Preventative Measures:
To prevent your assets from becoming unclaimed estates:
Draft a Will: Clearly outline how you wish your assets to be distributed upon your death.
Maintain Updated Records: Keep personal and financial records current and accessible to trusted family members.
Inform Relatives: Ensure your family is aware of any assets held in the UK or elsewhere, facilitating easier claims if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can safeguard your family’s inheritance and ensure that assets are rightfully claimed and distributed.
Final Thoughts
For many Nigerians and Africans in the UK, their unclaimed estates represent more than just wealth—it’s a story of migration, resilience, and identity.
By addressing this growing issue, families can reclaim their heritage, and the legacy of those who journeyed to the diaspora need not be forgotten.
