A UK immigration tribunal has ruled that Tobi Adegboyega, a popular Nigerian pastor and former head of the controversial SPAC Nation church, be deported back to Nigeria. Adegboyega, 44, had argued that the deportation would breach his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Adegboyega, who is married to a British woman, claimed that the Home Office failed to account for his contributions to the community through his work with SPAC Nation.
However, the tribunal dismissed his claims, citing findings from investigations that revealed financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in the church’s operations.
SPAC Nation, which catered to predominantly young Black communities in London, was shut down after failing to account for £1.87 million in outgoings. The church was also accused of functioning as a cult, where impoverished young people were pressured to donate money by any means necessary.
Adegboyega’s defence emphasised his positive influence on the community, claiming that his work had been “lauded” by figures such as Boris Johnson and senior members of the Metropolitan Police. However, no testimonies from these individuals were presented to the court.
The tribunal concluded that the refusal of Adegboyega’s application for leave to remain was “wholly proportionate.” It stated that Adegboyega’s presence in the UK was not necessary for the continuation of the projects he spearheaded, and that his family and private life relationships would survive his return to Nigeria.
Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully since overstaying a visitor’s visa granted in 2005. His deportation from the UK marks the end of his controversial tenure as the head of SPAC Nation.
