A retired Nigerian general has been defeated in an extraordinary legal fight for a multi-million-pound London house, a battle he waged against his former mistress, a prominent human rights lawyer. The UK High Court ruled that the property rightfully belongs to the woman, bringing an end to a saga of secret relationships and disputed finances.
A House Entangled in a Secret Affair
The central figure in the case is Major General Arthur Onwuamaegbu (rtd), who argued that he was the true owner of the luxurious £1.3 million property in Croydon, South London. He claimed he had provided the funds for its purchase back in the early 2000s. However, he insisted his name was kept off the deeds due to his official position at the Nigerian High Commission, suggesting it was a matter of diplomatic discretion.
The Lawyer's Defence: A Gift of Love
The defendant, human rights lawyer Ebere Chibuzor, presented a strikingly different narrative to the court. She asserted that the general, her lover at the time, had gifted her the money for the house as a token of his affection and commitment. Ms. Chibuzor maintained that the property was intended to be hers outright, a home for herself and their child.
Key points of her defence included:
- The funds were an unconditional gift from General Onwuamaegbu.
- She has been the sole legal owner and occupant of the property for nearly two decades.
- She undertook significant renovations and managed all associated costs, including the mortgage, herself.
The Court's Decisive Ruling
After examining the evidence, Judge John McKenna delivered a verdict firmly in favour of Ms. Chibuzor. The court found General Onwuamaegbu's claim to be 'not credible'. The judge highlighted the lack of a formal trust deed or any contemporary written agreement supporting the general's version of events.
Furthermore, the judge noted that the general's actions—or lack thereof—for many years severely undermined his case. He had taken no steps to reclaim the property or assert his ownership until the relationship had completely soured.
Fallout of a Fractured Relationship
The case sheds light on the bitter end of the relationship between the two parties. What was once a private affair has now been laid bare in a public courtroom, revealing a story of trust, betrayal, and a fierce struggle for a valuable asset. The ruling secures the London home for Ms. Chibuzor, finally concluding a deeply personal and financially significant dispute.
