A new investigation by UK-based publication The Londoner has revealed that the late Nigerian banking executive, Herbert Wigwe, was connected to 106 properties in London, placing him among the city’s most prominent foreign real estate investors.
The report draws on recently released transparency data showing that the properties were owned through offshore entities—an arrangement commonly used worldwide where assets are held by companies registered outside the country of investment.
This disclosure comes in the wake of reforms by the UK Government, which now require foreign property owners in the UK to declare their beneficial ownership as part of efforts to improve transparency.
According to the findings, Wigwe ranked among the top 10 overseas holders of property in London, highlighting the breadth of his global investment activities beyond his leadership role at Access Holdings Plc.
The investigation is part of a broader review into foreign-owned real estate in London, which uncovered more than 32,000 properties held through offshore structures. Many of these entities are registered in jurisdictions known for strict financial privacy, such as Jersey.
While offshore ownership often raises concerns around transparency and taxation, experts emphasize that there is no evidence of wrongdoing linked to Wigwe. Such arrangements remain a standard practice among high-net-worth individuals and global investors for purposes including asset protection, estate planning, and tax efficiency.
The findings add a new dimension to Wigwe’s legacy, underscoring the international scope of his investments and influence within the global financial landscape.
