A former Bexley resident found guilty of fraudulently obtaining support from the London Borough of Bexley, was refused permission to appeal her conviction last month.

Princess Ogheneakpobor Ojeh, 45, who had ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF), was found guilty of fraudulently obtaining support amounting to £12,251.38 from the Council, contrary to Section 3 and 1 (3) of the Fraud Act 2006, on 1 July 2025, after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court lasting six days.

Ms Ojeh was sentenced on 3 September 2025. The judge imposed 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. She was also required to carry out 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and to abide by a curfew from 9pm to 5pm for six months. Ms Ojeh was also ordered to pay in £2,380 compensation and £128 victim’s surcharge.

The Court of Appeal refused the Ms Ojeh permission to appeal against conviction on 11 March 2026.

In May 2022 Ms Ojeh told Bexley Council that she was homeless, separated from her husband, and that she needed to claim support for her four children. She was unable to apply for any support from Public Funds whilst her immigration status was under review.

The Council agreed they had a duty of care under the Children Act 1989 to provide support to her and her children.

An anonymous informant reported to the Council that she was running a clothing business, that her alleged ex-husband was living with her and earning £37,500 per year. They were also in the process of buying land.  

An investigation was conducted and it was discovered that Ms Ojeh had several bank accounts which she had not disclosed, as well as a PayPal account from which she was running her business.

A search warrant was executed in August 2022. Her ex-husband was present at the time of the search.  At the property boxes of new clothing and shoes were stacked up in most the rooms and in sheds outside. Two storage units were also searched revealing more boxes of clothing and shoes. It is estimated that she had over £9,000 in stock.

Further documents seized showed that Ms Ojeh had married a Dutch National who was claiming Child Benefit and Tax credits to which she was not entitled to. The Dutch National could not be traced. Ms Ojeh was in possession of bank cards and documents in the name of the Dutch National and had access these accounts which she used to conceal her money.

Fraud costs the public sector an estimated £20 billion per year and £2 billion is lost by local government alone. Fraud has an impact on the level of Council and Income Tax resources available to share amongst our community.

The London Borough of Bexley’s Assurance Service investigates all types of fraud and corruption allegations affecting the Council (including schools). Anyone can report fraud online.

Benefit fraud can be reported online National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 or online at Benefit fraud.