Edgar Davids art thief misses sentencing over luggage claim

Nabila Habiby, who admitted fraud over former Dutch footballer Edgar Davids’s art collection, failed to appear at Wood Green Crown Court in north London on September 4 for sentencing after her lawyer said she had been hit on the head by luggage on her way to the airport.

Habiby, 39, obtained £31,500 in loans by handing over 37 paintings and other works belonging to Davids. The collection was valued at £188,000 ($254,000). Davids had entrusted her to put possessions in storage during a house move.

Defence barrister Hannah Thomas told the court Habiby was in hospital in Belgium with concussion and on a drip after passing out. Judge Emma Deacon said the medical evidence was inadequate but adjourned sentencing so the original judge who took Habiby’s guilty pleas could pass sentence.

Habiby pleaded guilty in September 2025 to two counts of fraud. She had tried unsuccessfully in March to withdraw her pleas. Some works have been recovered, but 25 remain missing.

She was ordered to attend court for sentencing on September 23 and to provide a full medical report supporting her absence.