Casper Groenen, nephew of the late billionaire Jacobus Roomans, has told a Lagos High Court that dementia is prevalent in their family, raising serious questions about his uncle’s mental capacity in the final years of his life. Groenen’s testimony came as part of the ongoing legal battle over Roomans’ July 5, 2022, will, which his three sons—Simon, Kyle, and Daniel—contend was executed while their father was cognitively impaired.
The sons allege that Roomans had suffered from cognitive decline since 2010, and that his widow, Maria Mahat, exerted undue influence to ensure the estate was left solely to her and her son, Romario. The defendants, who include Mahat and the executors of the will, Luke Ilogu, SAN, and Stanley Onuosa, maintain that Roomans was of sound mind when he signed the document. Both parties have presented medical evidence to support their respective positions.
Giving testimony via video link, Groenen, a Dutch national, recounted incidents suggesting his uncle displayed signs of dementia as early as 2014. He described an occasion when Roomans mistook his 50-year-old nephew for a 10-year-old, and highlighted that Roomans’ two sisters had also suffered from dementia prior to their deaths.
Groenen further told the court that by 2018, Roomans had become increasingly dependent on his wife. He cited a visit to London where Roomans appeared unable to make decisions without Mahat’s involvement, portraying a man whose once formidable independence had significantly diminished.
Under cross-examination, Groenen acknowledged that his observations were based on personal opinion. He also admitted that Roomans continued to send him a monthly allowance of £2,000 during the period in question, suggesting some level of continued financial autonomy.
Justice Adedayo Oyebanji has adjourned proceedings, setting the next hearing for September 30, as the court continues to weigh complex medical and testimonial evidence surrounding the billionaire’s final testament.
