Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor and former leader of the controversial SPAC Nation church, has lost his legal battle to remain in the UK and faces deportation following accusations of financial mismanagement involving £1.87 million. Despite his claims that deportation would violate his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the UK immigration tribunal upheld the decision to deport him.
Adegboyega, 44, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, had argued that his removal would disrupt his family life with his British wife and undermine the community projects he spearheaded through SPAC Nation. His legal team portrayed him as a charismatic leader who positively influenced hundreds of young people in London’s Black communities, allegedly steering them away from crime.
SPAC Nation, which has since been shut down, came under scrutiny for its lack of financial transparency and allegations of exploitation. Former members accused the church of pressuring vulnerable youth to donate money by any means necessary, including taking out large loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their own blood.
The Home Office presented evidence that contradicted Adegboyega’s claims of positive influence. It cited findings from the Charity Commission and the High Court, which detailed serious misconduct and mismanagement within SPAC Nation over several years.
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The tribunal rejected Adegboyega’s defense, which included claims that accusations against him were politically motivated and that no criminal charges had been brought against him or the church. The tribunal noted that his testimony was often exaggerated and lacked credibility.
“We find it to be implausible that he has the time to undertake all of this work personally,” the judgment stated, dismissing his claims that his absence would collapse the projects he claimed to lead.
The tribunal further ruled that Adegboyega’s relationships in the UK, established during his unlawful stay since overstaying a visitor visa in 2005, would not be significantly affected by his deportation.
Adegboyega’s church had previously garnered attention for its lavish leadership lifestyle, with critics labeling it a cult. While Adegboyega argued that his work had been praised by political and law enforcement figures, no formal testimonies were presented to support this claim.
The ruling concluded that the decision to deport Adegboyega was lawful and proportionate, marking the end of his nearly two-decade stay in the UK. He is expected to return to Nigeria, where his legal battles and controversies may continue to follow him.
