The Southwark Council in London has successfully repossessed a two-bedroom social housing flat in Walworth, previously occupied by Fatima Jabbe-Biothe first lady of Sierra Leone. This action follows a 12-month investigation into the tenancy, which was first reported by The Times last year.
Fatima Jabbe-Bio, married to Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Biohas been listed on the tenancy since 2007. Since her husband’s election in 2018, she has divided her time between Sierra Leone and Britain. The housing rules stipulate that council properties should be the tenant’s principal residencea condition that came under scrutiny due to reports that Jabbe-Bio was rarely seen at the flat.
The Investigation and Repossession
Reginald PopoolaSouthwark’s executive member for council homes, announced the repossession, stating, “We can confirm we have taken possession of a property in Walworth following a 12-month investigation by our housing investigations team.” The flat will now be allocated to a family on the waiting list, addressing the critical need for social housing in the area.
Popoola emphasized the importance of returning the property to its intended purpose: “I look forward to bringing this council property back to its original purpose, which is to provide a safe and secure home for people with legitimate housing need on the council’s waiting list.”
Defending the Tenancy
In an interview with the BBC last month, Jabbe-Bio defended her decision to retain the tenancy, asserting that she had not acted improperly. The former model and actor stated, “My children are all British citizens. I’m paying for my council house myself. I have not committed any crime.”
Neighbors, however, reported that the flat had been largely unoccupied for at least the last three years, raising questions about the legitimacy of the tenancy. There is no suggestion that Jabbe-Bio has been charged with any offense, but the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of tenancy fraud and the misuse of social housing resources.
The Broader Context of Social Housing in London
The repossession of the flat comes at a time of severe pressure on social housing in London. With growing waiting lists, rising homelessness, and increasing demand for temporary accommodation, local authorities are stepping up efforts to tackle tenancy fraud and recover properties where tenancy agreements are being contravened.
In Southwark alone, more than 18,000 households are on the waiting list for social housing, with about 4,000 households currently living in temporary accommodation. The council has recovered 107 properties over the past two years through investigations into allegations of tenancy fraud and unlawful occupation.
The case of Fatima Jabbe-Bio’s flat highlights the complexities and challenges in managing social housing resources, particularly in areas with high demand and limited availability. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that council properties are used for their intended purpose, providing safe and secure homes for those in genuine need.
