A Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has lost his legal battle against deportation from the UK after his controversial church, SPAC Nation, was shut down amid allegations of financial mismanagement amounting to £1.87 million.
Adegboyega, 44, a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, was ordered to return to Nigeria after a tribunal dismissed his claims that deportation would violate his human rights. The tribunal’s decision followed multiple investigations, including one by The Telegraph, which highlighted severe financial irregularities within the church.
SPAC Nation, known for targeting young people from London’s Black communities, was closed down after the Charity Commission found evidence of misconduct and unaccounted spending. Former members accused the church of exploiting vulnerable individuals, encouraging extreme measures like taking loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling blood to fund donations. Critics also alleged the leadership lived lavishly at the expense of its congregation.
Adegboyega argued that deportation would infringe on his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as he is married to a British citizen. His legal team described him as a “charismatic” leader who positively influenced London’s Black youth and claimed his contributions were praised by figures like former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials—though no formal endorsements were presented in court.
The pastor also asserted that his deportation would lead to the collapse of several community projects initiated under his leadership. However, the tribunal found his claims exaggerated, stating, “We find it implausible that he has the time to undertake all of this work personally.”
The Home Office dismissed Adegboyega’s claims, stating that “all is not as it seems.” Officials highlighted the serious concerns raised by the Charity Commission and the High Court, which deemed SPAC Nation’s financial practices fraudulent and unaccountable.
The tribunal ultimately ruled that Adegboyega’s private and family life in the UK had been established unlawfully, as he entered the country on a visitor visa in 2005 and overstayed. His 2019 application for leave to remain was found to lack merit.
The tribunal determined that SPAC Nation’s operations would not significantly suffer in Adegboyega’s absence, stating, “We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes would collapse or significantly diminish should the Appellant be required to leave the UK.”
It concluded, “The decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate. The interference in [Mr. Adegboyega’s] family and private life is limited and lawful in all the circumstances.”
Pastor Adegboyega is now set to be deported, marking the end of his controversial tenure in the UK.
