"Unclaimed Properties of Dead Nigerians May Go to King Charles's Estate"

London, UK – The UK government's unclaimed estates list reveals a hidden treasure trove of properties and assets left behind by individuals who died without a will or known relatives. These unclaimed estates, known as "Bona Vacantia," are transferred to the Crown and managed by the Treasury Solicitor or the Duchy of Lancaster, depending on the location of the property.

"Bona vacantia" is a Latin term meaning "ownerless goods." In English law, when someone dies intestate (without a will) and without known heirs, their property becomes bona vacantia and is transferred to the Crown. This can include buildings, money, personal possessions, and other assets.

In most of England and Wales, the Treasury Solicitor handles bona vacantia cases on behalf of the Crown. However, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, these cases are managed by the Duchy of Lancaster. The Duchy is a private estate owned by the British monarch, currently King Charles III, in his role as Duke of Lancaster. The Duchy administers the estates and uses the proceeds to support local communities, protect the environment, and preserve historic properties.

The Windrush Scandal has left many individuals, including Nigerians who came to the UK during the Windrush era, locked out of the country. The government's reluctance to issue returning residence visas has prevented some of these individuals from reclaiming properties they owned in the UK. This has added to the number of unclaimed estates, as these properties remain in legal limbo.

If you believe you are entitled to an unclaimed estate, you can search the unclaimed estates list on the UK government's website. Relatives of the deceased can make a claim by providing evidence of their relationship and entitlement. The process involves verifying the claim and, if successful, transferring the estate to the rightful heir.

The unclaimed estates list is a reminder of the importance of having a will and ensuring that your assets are properly managed after death. It also highlights the need for the government to address the issues faced by those affected by the Windrush Scandal and ensure that they have the opportunity to reclaim their properties in the UK.

For more information on unclaimed estates and how to make a claim, visit the Unclaimed Estates List on the UK government's website.