Adetayo Omotoyosi Adeolu
A UK immigration tribunal has ordered the deportation of Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian-born religious leader, over allegations of mismanaging £1.87 million in church funds.
Adegboyega, founder of the now-defunct SPAC Nation (Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church), has faced widespread accusations of financial misconduct and cult-like practices within his ministry.
The ruling comes after an investigation revealed misuse of funds and complaints from former members who claimed they were coerced into taking loans or engaging in illegal activities to support the church.
Church Shutdown and Allegations
SPAC Nation, known for its extravagant services and outreach to young Londoners, particularly from Black communities, was shut down after the UK Charity Commission and High Court highlighted concerns over financial mismanagement.
Investigators reported allegations that church members were pressured to sell their blood and commit benefit fraud to meet financial demands.
Former congregants accused church leaders of living opulent lifestyles at the expense of struggling members.
A Home Office representative argued that these revelations contradicted Pastor Tobi Adegboyega’s portrayal as a positive community influence.
“The closure of Adegboyega’s church due to financial irregularities and lack of transparency, coupled with claims of abuse and exploitation, cannot be ignored,” the tribunal noted, according to the Street Journal.
Human Rights Defence Rejected
Adegboyega, married to a British citizen, argued that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
He also highlighted his contributions as a community leader, claiming to have helped at-risk youth avoid crime. His legal team described him as a “charismatic leader” who had garnered praise from notable figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior officials of the Metropolitan Police.
Adegboyega argued that his absence would lead to the collapse of the community projects he spearheaded in London.
However, the tribunal rejected his claims, describing his evidence as “hyperbolic” and finding that he had overstated his impact.
“It is implausible that he personally undertakes all of this work,” the judgment stated.
Tribunal’s Final Verdict
The tribunal ruled that Adegboyega’s human rights claims did not outweigh the evidence against him, emphasizing that his family ties, established while he was unlawfully in the UK, could endure his deportation.
“The decision to refuse leave to remain is wholly proportionate,” the tribunal stated. “Adegboyega’s relationships and the positive work of SPAC Nation can continue despite his return to Nigeria.”
Adegboyega, who entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor’s visa and overstayed, had previously appealed a denial of leave to remain.
His application under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was dismissed, with the tribunal citing evidence of “serious misconduct and mismanagement” during his leadership of SPAC Nation.
