Southwark Council has confirmed it repossessed a two-bedroom flat in Walworth previously occupied by Fatima Jabbe-Bio, the first lady of Sierra Leone. Her tenancy was reported by The Times last year, sparking questions about its legality.

Jabbe-Bio, married to President Julius Maada Bio, had been listed as a tenant since 2007. She has split her time between Sierra Leone and Britain since her husband's election in 2018, raising doubts about whether the flat was her primary residence as required by housing rules.

Neighbors told The Times they rarely saw Jabbe-Bio, prompting an investigation. Reginald Popoola, Southwark's executive member for council homes, announced the recovery after a 12-month probe, stating the flat would go to a family on the waiting list.

In a BBC interview last month, Jabbe-Bio defended her tenancy, saying: 'My children are all British citizens. I'm paying for my council house myself. I have not committed any crime.' No charges have been filed.

The case highlights acute pressure on London's social housing, with over 18,000 households on Southwark's waiting list and 4,000 in temporary accommodation. The council has recovered 107 properties for tenancy fraud in two years.

Source: www.theguardian.com