The British government is set to deport popular Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, following a tribunal ruling against his appeal to remain in the United Kingdom. This decision comes after the closure of his church, SPAC Nation, which was shut down by UK authorities due to financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency. Investigations revealed that Adegboyega was unable to account for over £1.87 million in expenses, prompting the intervention of the Charity Commission.
Adegboyega initially arrived in the UK on a visitor visa in 2005 and has been living unlawfully in the country ever since. In 2019, he sought leave to remain under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), claiming his right to a family life as he was married to a British citizen. Despite his argument, the application was rejected, and subsequent appeals to overturn the decision were also dismissed.
During his appeal, Adegboyega argued that deportation would violate his human rights and undermine his community work with SPAC Nation. He described the church as pivotal in reforming the lives of young people, especially within London’s Black communities. His legal team portrayed him as a “charismatic leader” who had received praise from high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. However, the tribunal found these claims to be exaggerated, with the Home Office asserting that his contributions were not as impactful as portrayed.
The case against Adegboyega included serious allegations about the operations of SPAC Nation. Investigations revealed that the church allegedly exploited vulnerable youths by encouraging them to take out large loans, commit benefit fraud, or even sell their blood to make donations. The tribunal also noted instances of financial misconduct and highlighted the lavish lifestyles of some church leaders. Former members labeled the church a cult, though Adegboyega dismissed these claims as unfounded and politically motivated. He emphasized that no criminal charges had ever been brought against him or the church concerning financial mismanagement.
In its ruling, the tribunal concluded that the evidence presented showed systemic issues within SPAC Nation, including financial irregularities and a lack of transparency. The judgment stated that the church’s operations could continue without Adegboyega and that his deportation would not have a significant impact on its work. It also found that his family and private life relationships in the UK were established while he was living unlawfully, making his deportation proportionate and lawful under the circumstances.
Adegboyega has maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations against him were baseless and politically motivated. He argued that his community work had positively influenced the lives of many young people and warned that deportation would disrupt the progress made under his leadership. Despite his protests, the tribunal remained unconvinced, concluding that the public interest outweighed his personal circumstances.