A controversial Nigerian-born Pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, embroiled in a £1.87 million fraud investigation, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to evade deportation from the United Kingdom.
Pastor Adegboyega lost his argument that such action would infringe upon his human rights.
An immigration tribunal has determined that Tobi Adegboyega, 44, who is related to Star Wars actor John Boyega, will be sent back to Nigeria due to allegations of financial impropriety associated with his church, SPAC Nation.
The church was previously closed down for failing to provide adequate financial accountability and facing serious allegations regarding its transparency.
As reported by Vanguard, Adegboyega argued that his deportation would violate his right to family life as outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), referencing his marriage to a British citizen and his contributions to the community.
His legal representatives characterized him as a “charismatic” leader who has made a significant positive impact on numerous young individuals in London, particularly within the Black community, by guiding them away from criminal activities.
Despite assertions that his work received commendations from notable figures, including Boris Johnson and senior officials from the Metropolitan Police, no supporting evidence for these claims was provided during the court proceedings. Adegboyega also contended that his removal would endanger the ongoing community initiatives he had established.
In contrast, the Home Office presented a different perspective, emphasizing the problematic history of the church.
“Various branches of SPAC Nation have been closed by the Charity Commission or the High Court due to concerns over finances and lack of transparency,” the judgment noted.
Former members of SPAC Nation have characterized the organization as a cult, claiming that it exploited vulnerable young individuals by pressuring them to make financial contributions through extreme tactics, such as taking out loans, engaging in benefit fraud, and even selling their own blood.
The tribunal heard that the church’s leaders enjoyed a life of luxury, with further allegations of abuse damaging its reputation.
Adegboyega, who arrived in the UK in 2005 on a visitor visa and subsequently overstayed, sought to regularize his status in 2019 under the European Convention on Human Rights.
He refuted the allegations against him, contending that the assertions regarding SPAC Nation being a cult were unfounded.
Nevertheless, the Charity Commission’s investigation revealed “serious misconduct and mismanagement” within the organization over a prolonged period.
The tribunal dismissed Adegboyega’s claims, labeling them as “hyperbolic” and concluding that he had overstated his influence and contributions.
“We are not satisfied that SPAC Nation’s work would collapse or suffer significantly if he were deported,” the judgment concluded.
It further determined that the family and private life Adegboyega had established in the UK while living unlawfully could continue after his return to Nigeria. The tribunal deemed the deportation decision “proportionate” and lawful, dismissing his appeal.
