A Nigerian pastor at the center of a £1.87 million fraud scandal involving his controversial church has lost his legal fight against deportation from the United Kingdom. Tobi Adegboyega, 44, who gained notoriety as the leader of SPAC Nation, had his appeal dismissed by an immigration tribunal, sealing his fate to return to Nigeria.
Adegboyega, a cousin of actor John Boyega, led SPAC Nation, a now-shuttered church accused of financial misconduct and exploitation. The church, which operated in London, was dissolved after failing to account for over £1.87 million in outgoings and being criticized for its lack of transparency.
The pastor’s legal team argued that deportation would violate his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his family life with his British wife and his community work. However, the tribunal found these arguments insufficient, highlighting grave allegations against him and his church.
SPAC Nation was once praised for its outreach efforts, especially in helping young people from London’s Black communities. Adegboyega’s legal team claimed he had a transformative impact on hundreds of lives, earning praise from politicians like Boris Johnson and figures in the Metropolitan Police. Yet, the Home Office and former church members painted a starkly different picture. Allegations surfaced that vulnerable young people were pressured to donate large sums, even resorting to loans, benefit fraud, and selling their blood to meet financial demands. Critics also accused the church leadership of leading opulent lifestyles at the expense of their congregation.
The tribunal dismissed Adegboyega’s claims, stating that the pastor had exaggerated his influence and the necessity of his presence in the UK. The court noted SPAC Nation’s history of closures due to financial irregularities and accusations of abuse. The Charity Commission previously found evidence of “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the church’s administration. The tribunal concluded that SPAC Nation’s community efforts would not collapse without Adegboyega and deemed his application to remain in the UK “wholly disproportionate.”
The court emphasized that Adegboyega’s family ties and private life, established while he lived unlawfully in the UK, would not be significantly disrupted by his return to Nigeria.
Adegboyega entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor’s visa and overstayed, living unlawfully for nearly two decades. In 2019, he applied for leave to remain, citing his right to family life under the ECHR. After an initial rejection, he appealed, maintaining that the accusations against him and SPAC Nation were baseless and politically motivated.
Despite his claims, the tribunal found the evidence against him compelling. It ruled that deportation was lawful, proportionate, and in line with the public interest.
The ruling underscores the UK’s commitment to addressing immigration violations and holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct. For Adegboyega, the decision marks the end of his UK residency and a return to his native Nigeria. This case highlights the delicate balance between human rights considerations and the enforcement of immigration laws, as well as the growing scrutiny on organizations operating under the guise of community service.
Source: Swifteradio.com
