Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega has lost his legal battle to remain in the UK after an immigration tribunal ruled in favor of his deportation. The decision follows allegations of financial misconduct and fraud linked to his controversial church, SPAC Nation, which has faced multiple investigations and closures.
Adegboyega, 44, a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, had argued that deportation would breach his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He cited his marriage to a British citizen and his work with SPAC Nation, which he claimed had steered young people in London’s Black communities away from crime. Despite highlighting commendations allegedly received from figures like former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior police officials, the tribunal noted no direct evidence supporting these claims.
The Home Office presented a contrasting narrative, documenting the church’s financial irregularities and its alleged exploitation of members. According to the tribunal’s findings, SPAC Nation failed to account for £1.87 million in expenditures, and former members accused its leadership of pressuring individuals into extreme measures to donate, including taking loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling blood. The church was ultimately shut down by authorities for lack of transparency.
The tribunal dismissed Adegboyega’s claims, describing his evidence as “hyperbolic” and his influence as “grossly inflated.” It concluded that the good work of SPAC Nation would not significantly suffer in his absence and determined that his family life in the UK could continue despite his deportation.
Adegboyega, who overstayed a visitor visa granted in 2005 and sought leave to remain in 2019, has now exhausted his legal options. The tribunal ruled that deporting him was a lawful and proportionate measure, bringing his prolonged fight to stay in the UK to an end.
He now faces imminent deportation to Nigeria.
