South London Mother Found Guilty of Defrauding Council Out of £12,000
Princess Ogheneakpobor Ojeh, a 45-year-old mother of four from South London, has been convicted for fraudulently obtaining £12,251.38 from Bexley Council. The deception came to light after an anonymous tip-off revealed she was running a clothing business and still residing with her ex-husband, contrary to her claims of homelessness.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Following a six-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Ojeh was found guilty on July 1 last year under the Fraud Act 2006. On September 3, 2025, she received a 26-week suspended prison sentence, valid for 12 months, along with additional penalties.
- She must complete 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
- A six-month curfew from 9pm to 5am was imposed.
- Ojeh was ordered to pay £2,380 in compensation and a £128 victim surcharge.
Recently, on March 11 this year, the Court of Appeal refused her permission to appeal the conviction, solidifying the legal outcome.
Investigation Uncovered Extensive Deception
In May 2022, Ojeh approached Bexley Council, asserting she was homeless and separated from her husband, seeking financial support for her children. Due to her No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) immigration status, she was ineligible for public funds, but the council provided aid under the Children Act 1989.
An anonymous informant alerted authorities that Ojeh was operating a clothing business, her ex-husband was living with her on a £37,500 salary, and they were purchasing land. Subsequent investigations revealed undisclosed bank accounts and a PayPal account used for her business.
During a search warrant execution in August 2022, her ex-husband was present, and the property contained boxes of new clothing and shoes in multiple rooms and outdoor sheds. Two storage units also held additional stock, valued by the council at over £9,000.
Further Fraudulent Activities Exposed
Documents seized showed Ojeh had married a Dutch national who fraudulently claimed child benefit and tax credits. Although the Dutch national could not be located, Ojeh possessed bank cards and documents in their name, using these accounts to hide money.
This case highlights the severe consequences of welfare fraud and the diligent efforts by Bexley Council to protect public funds from abuse.
