Southwark Council, the local government authority responsible for housing and public services in the South London borough of Southwark, has repossessed a taxpayer-subsidised council flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, following a year-long investigation into whether the property was being used in accordance with housing rules.
The action follows reporting by The Times, a conservative-leaning British newspaper, which raised questions over whether the flat remained Jabbe-Bio’s principal residence while she and her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, lived primarily in Freetown. The council says the property will now be returned to its social housing stock for another household in need.
Council highlights housing pressures
Southwark Council said recovering the flat would enable it to house residents with genuine accommodation needs amid sustained pressure on affordable housing in the borough.
Reginald Popoola, the council’s executive member for council homes, 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 needs on the council’s waiting list.’
The borough is among those in London facing significant demand for social housing, with thousands of applicants waiting for permanent accommodation.
Investigation followed media scrutiny
The tenancy came under scrutiny after an investigation by The Times questioned the continued use of the property after Bio relocated to Sierra Leone in 2018 when President Julius Maada Bio took office.
The issue follows earlier scrutiny of the first lady’s overseas property arrangements, which she has publicly disputed. For additional background, see Africa Briefing’s previous report on Fatima Bio’s response to allegations concerning her property portfolio.
Council housing in Britain is generally intended to serve as a tenant’s principal residence. Following its review, Southwark Council recovered possession of the flat so that it could be reallocated through its housing programme.
First lady denies wrongdoing
Bio has consistently rejected allegations that she improperly retained the tenancy.
In comments previously given to the BBC and cited by The Times, she said: ‘My children are all British citizens. I’m paying for my council house myself. I have not committed any crime.’
She has maintained that her family continues to have legitimate ties to the United Kingdom and that she complied with her obligations as a tenant.
Debate over public housing
The case has fuelled wider debate in Britain over the allocation of publicly funded housing at a time when local authorities are grappling with severe shortages and growing waiting lists.
Critics argue that subsidised homes should be reserved for people whose primary residence is in the local area, while supporters of the first lady contend that she remained entitled to the tenancy until the council completed its investigation.
International attention
The repossession has drawn attention beyond the United Kingdom because it involves the spouse of a sitting African president and highlights the scrutiny that can accompany overseas property arrangements involving senior public figures.
By recovering the flat, Southwark Council says another family in need will now be able to access the property through its social housing system.
