Pastor Tobi Adegboyega
Why Nigerian pastor’s appeal against deportation failed at UK tribunal
Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of SPAC Nation, is being deported from the United Kingdom after he lost his appeal at an immigration tribunal.
He was being investigated over financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in the operations of SPAC Nation, leading to its closure by UK authorities.
Indeed, SPAC Nation was shut down after Adegboyega failed to account for over £1.87 million in expenses.
There was also allegations that the church encouraged impoverished members to take drastic measures, such as securing large loans and committing fraud, in order to make donations.
The pastor was being deported by the UK government after the immigration tribunal ruled against him, following a series of investigations into his church’s financial practices.
The church was shut down after the church failed to account for more than £1.87 million in outgoing funds, and allegations of financial mismanagement and exploitation surfaced.
Earlier, Adegboyega moved to London from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2005, initially sharing a room with his cousin, actor John Gboyega, and worked as a kitchen porter.
He later found SPAC Nation in 2008, with only three members. However, the church drew members, especially because of its unconventional practices, including encouraging criminals to drop their weapons at the altar during services—an act that earned both praise and criticism.
Although Adegboyega denied the allegations against him, describing them as politically motivated attacks, the tribunal arrived at its judgement.
Adegboyega had in 2020 stepped down as Lead Pastor of SPAC Nation, handing over leadership to Samuel Akokhia. He, however, continued to face numerous controversies.
A BBC Panorama investigation accused him and other church leaders of financially exploiting church members. Adegboyega was quoted suggesting that it was not uncommon for members to give at least £1,000 a month to the church, with some individuals reportedly asked for large sums, including £20,000 for personal investments.
Adegboyega’s lavish lifestyle, including living in a £2.5 million mansion in Surrey, driving expensive cars, and wearing jewelry—raised questions about the church’s true purpose.
Multiple allegations of financial mismanagement, fraud, and even domestic and sexual abuse were proven and the UK government, consequently, ordered the church’s dissolution in 2022.
Despite the controversies, Adegboyega’s church was also recognized for certain charitable efforts, such as helping former criminals reintegrate into society and pledging to fight poverty in Lagos.
However, these positive claims were overshadowed by mounting evidence against him, including a lack of transparency in his financial dealings and accusations that his church encouraged vulnerable young people to take extreme measures to raise money.
Adegboyega’s appeal to remain in the UK, citing his family life and contributions to the community, was dismissed by the immigration tribunal. The tribunal found that his evidence was exaggerated, and the Home Office argued that his deportation would not infringe upon his human rights.
In its final ruling, the tribunal stated that the church’s good works would not collapse without Adegboyega in the UK and that his personal relationships, formed during his unlawful stay, could survive his return to Nigeria.