A nephew of the late billionaire businessman, Jacobus Roomans, has told a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square that his uncle was not mentally fit to make a valid will in his final years, claiming dementia runs in their family.
Roomans’ three sons—Simon, Kyle, and Daniel—are contesting the validity of their father’s will dated July 5, 2022. They argue that the businessman had suffered from a cognitive disorder since 2010 and was incapable of properly executing the document. The sons further allege that their stepmother, Maria Mahat, unduly influenced Roomans to ensure that the entire estate was left to herself and her son, Romario.
On the other hand, Mahat and the will’s executors, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Luke Ilogu and Stanley Onuosa, maintain that Roomans was of sound mind when he signed the will. Both sides have produced medical evidence in support of their arguments.
Testifying virtually, Casper Groenen, a Dutch citizen and nephew of Roomans, claimed his uncle started showing symptoms of dementia as early as 2014. He recounted an incident where the billionaire referred to him as a 10-year-old child, even though he was 50 at the time. Groenen also told the court that two of Roomans’ sisters had suffered from dementia before their deaths.
He further testified that by 2018, Roomans had lost much of his independence, describing a meeting in London where the once-assertive businessman appeared unable to take decisions without consulting his wife.
However, under cross-examination, Groenen admitted that his conclusion was based on personal opinion. He also conceded that despite his claims of dementia, his uncle continued sending him a monthly allowance of £2,000 during that period.
Justice Adedayo Oyebanji adjourned the case to September 30 for continuation of hearing.
