Tobi Adegboyega, a well-known Nigerian pastor and former leader of the controversial SPAC Nation church, has lost his legal battle to remain in the United Kingdom. A UK immigration tribunal has ruled in favor of his deportation back to Nigeria.
The 44-year-old pastor, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, argued that deportation would violate his human rights as outlined under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He claimed his contributions to British society, particularly through his work with SPAC Nation, were not adequately considered by the Home Office.
Adegboyega, who is married to a British citizen, faced significant legal hurdles in his fight to stay. However, the tribunal dismissed his arguments, citing investigations that exposed financial irregularities and a lack of transparency in the operations of SPAC Nation. A report from The Telegraph highlighted that the church, which primarily served young Black communities in London, failed to account for ÂŁ1.87 million in expenses before it was shut down.
His legal team portrayed Adegboyega as a “charismatic leader” who had positively influenced young people by steering them away from criminal activities. They also claimed that prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior members of the Metropolitan Police, had praised his work. However, the tribunal noted that no evidence or testimonies from these individuals were presented in court.
The Home Office argued that Adegboyega’s presence in the UK was not as beneficial as he claimed. The tribunal’s judgment pointed to findings that SPAC Nation operated as a cult-like organization, pressuring vulnerable young people to contribute money by any means, including taking loans, committing fraud, and selling their blood. The leadership of the church was accused of living extravagantly while exploiting its members.
Additionally, the judgment highlighted that multiple entities linked to SPAC Nation were closed down by either the Charity Commission or the High Court due to financial misconduct and lack of accountability.
Adegboyega has been living in the UK unlawfully since overstaying a visitor visa granted in 2005. His 2019 application for leave to remain, based on the ECHR’s right to family life, was initially rejected. During his appeal, Adegboyega insisted no criminal charges had been filed against him regarding the church’s finances and dismissed claims that SPAC Nation was a cult as politically motivated.
Despite his arguments, the tribunal found evidence of serious financial misconduct by SPAC Nation over an extended period. It also criticized Adegboyega’s testimony, describing it as exaggerated and an attempt to overstate his influence. The tribunal concluded that his deportation was proportionate and lawful.
The judgment stated: “We are not satisfied that the good work SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the Appellant be required to leave the UK. (Mr. Adegboyega) seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which were established while he was in the UK unlawfully and which would survive his return to Nigeria. The interference would therefore be limited and lawful in all the circumstances.”
Adegboyega’s case has drawn widespread attention, shedding light on allegations of exploitation and misconduct within SPAC Nation.
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