By Marvelous Ayebo.
The UK government is set to deport controversial Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, following his failed legal battle to remain in the country. An immigration tribunal ruled against Adegboyega, who has been living in the UK unlawfully since 2005 after arriving on a visitor’s visa.
Adegboyega, founder of the now-defunct SPAC Nation church, faced legal challenges after UK authorities shut down the church. Investigations revealed financial mismanagement, including an inability to account for over £1.87 million in church funds and a lack of operational transparency.
Allegations of Misconduct and Legal Battles
The tribunal judgment noted concerns over SPAC Nation’s practices, including allegations of exploiting impoverished young members to raise money through large loans, benefit fraud, and even selling their blood. Former members also described the church as a cult with leaders allegedly leading lavish lifestyles.
While Adegboyega dismissed these claims as politically motivated and insisted no criminal charges had been brought against him or the church, the Charity Commission concluded that SPAC Nation had engaged in “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement.”
The tribunal also criticized Adegboyega’s testimony, describing it as “hyperbolic” and his claims of influence as “grossly inflated.”
Appeal Based on Human Rights Denied
Adegboyega’s appeal to remain in the UK was based on the European Convention on Human Rights, citing his right to family life. He argued that his deportation would disrupt his marriage to a British citizen and his community work with SPAC Nation, which he claimed had positively impacted hundreds of young people in London.
However, the tribunal ruled that Adegboyega’s family life and private relationships, established during his unlawful stay, would not be significantly disrupted by his deportation. The judgment concluded that the decision to refuse him leave to remain was “wholly proportionate.”
Final Ruling
The tribunal found no evidence to suggest that SPAC Nation’s charitable activities would collapse without Adegboyega’s presence. It concluded that his deportation would not breach his human rights, paving the way for his removal to Nigeria.
The case has drawn significant attention, with Adegboyega once lauded for his community work by politicians, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and senior Metropolitan Police officials. However, no testimony from these figures was submitted in court to support his appeal.
Adegboyega is now expected to return to Nigeria, marking the end of his 19-year undocumented stay in the UK.