Ex-lord mayor's home seized after court battle

The home of a former lord mayor of Leeds has been seized by the UK law enforcement agency responsible for tackling organised crime and drug trafficking.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) won a High Court battle with Abigail Marshall Katung over the rights to the house on Sandmoor Drive in Alwoodley.

The house had been previously owned by a businessman who was suspected of money laundering offences. He handed it over in 2020 as part of a deal with the NCA.

Labour councillor Mrs Katung, who was not aware of the accusations made against the home's former owner, said she would appeal against the decision.

During the court hearing, Mrs Katung said she had entered into an agreement with the previous owner to buy the house in 2015.

Mrs Katung said she had paid him about £400,000 of the contracted £1m purchase price, but the remaining sum was never provided.

The court heard the majority of the funds were sent from Nigeria, where Mrs Katung was born, to the UK using an informal money transfer service which she described as the "black market", although she said it was not illegal.

On 6 June the High Court ruled, despite the payments, Mrs Katung had no legitimate interest or right to the property, which will now be transferred to the NCA.

In his ruling Mr Justice Jay said there were "telling omissions" from Mrs Katung's evidence, adding that he was "not satisfied that she was a particularly reliable witness".

In a statement Mrs Katung said her account was "consistent".

The NCA will be entitled to damages for Mrs Katung's use of the house since 2020, as well as to its costs.

Rob Burgess, head of asset denial at the NCA, said a "substantial sum would be returned to the public purse" following the ruling.

Mrs Katung said she had made "full disclosure" of the ruling prior to it becoming public knowledge, adding: "Whilst this is dreadfully upsetting to me and my family, I have not sought to hide away.

"I want to continue to represent my constituents, it is the most satisfying task I have ever undertaken and it is a complete privilege to be able to do so.

"I recognise that enquiries will have to be undertaken in order to preserve public confidence in the political system in which I operate. I will cooperate with that process fully and unreservedly."

Mrs Katung became Leeds' first lord mayor of African descent when she took over the ceremonial role for a 12-month term in May 2024.

She has lived in the city since she came to the UK to study at the University of Leeds in 2000 and has represented the Little London and Woodhouse ward since being elected in 2019.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party said an internal investigation into Mrs Katung was taking place.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said they were unaware of case, adding: "We are currently examining the High Court judgement and are unable to comment further at this time."

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