The United Kingdom is set to deport Tobi Adegboyega, a popular Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, following his unsuccessful appeal at an immigration tribunal. The deportation comes after a series of allegations against the pastor and his church, including financial misconduct and a lack of transparency.
The UK’s immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, who has lived unlawfully in the country since arriving on a visitor visa in 2005, must return to Nigeria. In 2019, he applied for leave to remain, citing his right to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Adegboyega, who is married to a British citizen, argued that deportation would infringe on his human rights and disrupt his community work. His legal team described him as a “charismatic leader” who had positively influenced hundreds of young people, especially from London’s Black communities.
Despite claims of his community impact, the tribunal found no compelling evidence to support these assertions.
The judgment noted, “Various manifestations of [Mr Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, because of concerns over its finances and lack of transparency.”
Allegations Against SPAC Nation
SPAC Nation, founded by Adegboyega, had been shut down by UK authorities after the Charity Commission found serious misconduct and mismanagement of funds totaling over £1.87 million. Former members accused the church of operating like a cult, pressuring impoverished young people to donate money through extreme measures, including taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and selling their blood.
The tribunal’s findings further stated, “It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse. The [Home Office’s] case before us was that all of this needs to be taken into account when evaluating whether Mr Adegboyega is in fact of real value to the UK.”
Adegboyega’s Defense
Adegboyega denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated. He emphasized that no criminal charges had ever been filed concerning the church’s finances.
“Claims that SPAC Nation is a cult are baseless attacks aimed at discrediting my work,” he told the tribunal.
However, the tribunal dismissed his defense, stating that Adegboyega’s evidence was “hyperbolic” and that he had “sought to grossly inflate his influence.”
Also Read
- Former Law Enforcement and Military Officers Charged in Alleged Extortion Scheme in Orange County
- Nigerian Family in Canada Faces Deportation Due to Fake Admission Letter
Final Ruling
The tribunal concluded that deportation was justified and proportionate, emphasizing that Adegboyega’s private and family life relationships were formed while he was in the UK unlawfully.
“We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK,” the judgment stated.
It added, “The interference [with his rights] would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances.”