Fatima Jabbe-Bio, the first lady of Sierra Leone, is reportedly renting a council flat in Southwark, London, while also owning substantial properties in Africa. This raises concerns about potential violations of council housing regulations that require the property to be the tenant's primary residence.
Jabbe-Bio, a former actress, lived in the Southwark flat before her husband's election in 2018, after which they moved to the presidential lodge in Freetown. She has been registered to vote at the London flat multiple times since 2009. The flat has had the same tenant since 2007.
Reports indicate Jabbe-Bio owns various properties including two villas in the Gambia, a flat in a luxury estate, and an entire apartment building. The couple's lavish lifestyle includes luxury cars, watches, and frequent use of private jets for official trips.
Southwark Council confirmed the flat has had the same tenant since 2007, but declined to comment on individual cases. The council's statement mentioned that social housing tenants have rights to stay regardless of income, unless obligations in their tenancy agreement aren't met. London's social housing waiting list is at record levels, with considerable waiting times for council homes. The Bios' use of the council flat, given their wealth and multiple property holdings, has drawn criticism.
The article also touches upon other controversies involving the first family, such as their association with Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch cocaine kingpin.
The situation highlights concerns over potential breaches of housing regulations, the contrast between the first lady's luxurious lifestyle and her retention of a social housing flat, and broader questions around transparency and accountability.