A Nigerian pastor accused of financial misconduct and whose controversial church was shut down over an alleged £1.87 million fraud has lost his bid to remain in the UK. Tobi Adegboyega, 44, the cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, was ordered to be deported to Nigeria following a ruling by an immigration tribunal, News360 Nigeria reports.
Mr. Adegboyega argued that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his marriage to a British woman and his community work as head of SPAC Nation. His legal team described him as a “charismatic” leader who had positively influenced hundreds of young people in London’s Black communities, diverting them from crime.
Despite his claims, the tribunal found no compelling evidence to suggest his projects would collapse in his absence, deeming his assertions “hyperbolic” and his influence “grossly inflated.”
SPAC Nation, the church Mr. Adegboyega once led, faced numerous allegations of financial impropriety and was ultimately shut down for failing to account for over £1.87 million in outgoings. Former members accused the church of exploiting vulnerable young people, encouraging them to donate money through extreme means, including taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their blood.
The tribunal highlighted findings from the Charity Commission, which uncovered “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” within the church. The Home Office argued that these revelations, combined with allegations of lavish lifestyles and abuse by church leadership, undermined Mr. Adegboyega’s claimed contributions to the UK.
The tribunal also noted that Mr. Adegboyega had been living unlawfully in the UK since overstaying his visitor visa in 2005. His application for leave to remain was initially rejected in 2019, and subsequent appeals failed to convince the tribunal.
“Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance, we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate,” the tribunal stated.
While Mr. Adegboyega claimed his work had been praised by political figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, no direct testimony from these figures was provided. The tribunal concluded that his family life relationships, established during his unlawful stay, could survive his return to Nigeria.
The ruling marks the end of a contentious legal battle, raising questions about the accountability of religious leaders and the scrutiny of their claims in immigration cases.
