Nigerian Pastor loses UK deportation battle after church shut down over £1.87m fraud

A Nigerian pastor has lost his battle against deportation from the UK despite claiming it would violate his human rights. The pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, 44, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, had argued that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights.  

Adegboyega, who led the controversial SPAC Nation church, failed to convince an immigration tribunal to allow him to remain in Britain. The church, once praised for its outreach efforts, was shut down after investigators found it had failed to account for £1.87 million in outgoings.  

Adegboyega arrived in the UK on a visitor visa in 2005 but has overstayed ever since. He married a British woman, presenting this as part of his case to stay in the country. His legal team described him as a "charismatic" leader who had positively impacted hundreds of young people in London’s black communities.  

However, the Home Office contested his claims, stating that "all is not as it seems" with his church activities.  

Church closure and allegations  

SPAC Nation was shut down after investigations revealed financial mismanagement. The Charity Commission reported "serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity" over several years.  

Former church members alleged that young, vulnerable people were coerced into donating money through loans, benefit fraud, and even selling their blood, while church leaders lived lavish lifestyles.  

Adegboyega denied these allegations, insisting there were no criminal charges related to SPAC Nation’s finances. He claimed the accusations were politically motivated and described suggestions that the church was a cult as baseless.  

Inflated claims  

The tribunal criticised Adegboyega for exaggerating his influence and community work. "We find it to be implausible that he has the time to undertake all of this work personally," the ruling stated, adding that his evidence was "hyperbolic in many instances."  

Despite claims that his work had been praised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials, the tribunal noted that no testimony from them had been presented in court.  

The tribunal also dismissed arguments that Adegboyega’s absence would lead to the collapse of community projects, stating that SPAC Nation’s work would not "collapse or even significantly suffer" if he were deported.  

Decision and reaction  

Adegboyega’s case marks the culmination of years of controversy surrounding SPAC Nation. While he maintained that he was a positive force in the community, the tribunal found otherwise, paving the way for his deportation.  

The pastor’s removal from the UK comes amid increased scrutiny of organisations accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of religious or charitable work.