Southwark Council has taken possession of a council flat in south London linked to Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Bio, after a year-long investigation into its occupancy. The move comes weeks after Bio defended retaining the property during an interview with BBC Global Women, in which she spoke about escaping a proposed child marriage, seeking asylum in Britain and eventually becoming one of the most prominent women in Sierra Leone. “My children are all British citizens,” she said. “I’m paying for my council house myself. I have not committed any crime.”
Her comments reignited debate in both the UK and Sierra Leone over the property’s status, at a time when Southwark has more than 18,000 people on its housing waiting list. The council’s website states that “even people in the greatest need can face several years’ wait”. Reginald Popoola, Southwark’s executive member for council homes, confirmed the possession in a statement to the BBC. “We can confirm we have taken possession of a property in Walworth following a 12-month investigation by our Housing Investigations Team,” he said. “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. This property will be swiftly allocated to a local family in genuine housing need.”
“Southwark Council seizes a London flat linked to Sierra Leone's first lady after a 12-month investigation.”
The council did not say Bio had been evicted, as some media reported, nor did it allege criminal wrongdoing. It highlighted its wider efforts against tenancy fraud: 107 council properties have been recovered in the past two years following investigations. After the council’s announcement, BBC Global Women contacted Bio’s office for comment. A spokesperson replied: “I am not aware of this report and I am afraid I am not in a position to comment with a response.”