Pastor Tobi Adegboyega loses deportation battle after his church was shut down over alleged £1.87m fraud

A Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has faced a setback in his fight against deportation from the UK due to allegations of fraud and financial misconduct associated with his church, SPAC Nation.

Despite his claims that deportation would infringe upon his human rights, an immigration tribunal has decided that he must return to Nigeria.

At 44 years old, Adegboyega, who is related to Star Wars actor John Boyega, argued that his removal would disrupt his right to family life as outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He pointed to his marriage to a British citizen and his community service with SPAC Nation as justifications for his continued presence in the UK.

His legal representatives described him as a “charismatic” figure, emphasizing his commitment to mentoring numerous young individuals, especially from London’s Black communities, to help them avoid criminal activities. They noted that his initiatives had received accolades from notable personalities, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and high-ranking officials from the Metropolitan Police, although no formal statements from these individuals were provided.

However, the tribunal highlighted a contrasting perspective presented by the Home Office. The ruling stated, “Various manifestations of [Mr. Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, due to concerns regarding its financial practices and transparency.”

SPAC Nation was shut down after failing to account for more than £1.87 million in expenditures, with allegations that the church encouraged members to take drastic measures to donate money. Former members accused the organization of being a cult, claiming impoverished individuals were urged to take out loans, commit benefit fraud, and even sell their own blood to fund the church.

“It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse,” the judgment stated. “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, who overstayed a visitor visa granted in 2005, applied for leave to remain in 2019 under the ECHR. His initial application was dismissed, and his subsequent appeal also failed. The tribunal found his evidence “hyperbolic in many instances” and determined that he had “grossly inflated his influence.”

The tribunal ruled: “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.”

It concluded that Adegboyega’s family and private life relationships were established while he was in the UK unlawfully and could continue despite his return to Nigeria. “The interference would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances,” the tribunal stated. This decision brings an end to Adegboyega’s legal battle to remain in the UK, as he now faces deportation to Nigeria.