The British government is set to deport popular pastor Tobi Adegboyega to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at an immigration tribunal.
NewsNGR gathered that the UK authorities had previously shut down Adegboyega’s church, SPAC Nation, following investigations into financial misconduct by the church leadership. It was revealed that the pastor had failed to account for over £1.87 million in outgoings, and the church was found to be operating with a lack of transparency.
The Telegraph reports that an immigration tribunal ruled Adegboyega should be deported after reviewing the case. The pastor, who arrived in the UK on a visitor’s visa in 2005, has lived in the country unlawfully since then.
In 2019, Adegboyega applied for leave to remain based on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) right to family life. His application was rejected by a first-tier immigration tribunal but was later appealed.
The pastor, who is married to a British woman, argued that his deportation would breach his family rights, citing his significant community work with SPAC Nation. His legal team highlighted his role as a “charismatic” leader who helped hundreds of young people, mainly from London’s black communities, avoid trouble.
However, the Home Office contended that “all is not as it seems” and brought the case before an immigration tribunal. According to the tribunal’s ruling, various manifestations of Adegboyega’s church had been shut down due to concerns over its finances and lack of transparency.
The judgment further referenced allegations made by former church members, claiming that SPAC Nation operated like a cult, encouraging vulnerable young people to take out large loans, commit benefit fraud, and even sell their blood to donate money. The tribunal also cited reports of lavish lifestyles among church leaders and instances of abuse.
Adegboyega rejected the allegations, stating that claims of cult activities were unfounded and politically motivated. He also emphasized that no one had been criminally charged regarding the church’s finances and that his deportation would violate his human rights.
However, the tribunal noted that the Charity Commission had concluded there was “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the church’s administration. It also criticized Adegboyega’s evidence as “hyperbolic” and aimed at inflating his influence.
The tribunal concluded that, while SPAC Nation’s work had benefited the community, it would not collapse if Adegboyega were deported. The judgment stated that his family and private life had been established during his unlawful stay in the UK and that any interference would be minimal and lawful under the circumstances. As a result, the decision to refuse his leave to remain was deemed proportionate.