Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor at the center of a £1.87 million fraud investigation, has lost his bid to avoid deportation, despite arguing it would violate his human rights.
An immigration tribunal ruled that Tobi Adegboyega, 44, cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, will be deported to Nigeria following allegations of financial misconduct linked to his church, SPAC Nation.
The church was previously shut down after failing to account for substantial outgoings and facing accusations of a lack of transparency.
According to Vanguard, Adegboyega contended that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his marriage to a British citizen and his community work.
His legal team described him as a “charismatic” leader who had positively impacted hundreds of young people in London, particularly in the Black community, by steering them away from crime.
Despite claims that his efforts were praised by prominent figures, including Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officers, no evidence supporting these endorsements was presented in court. Adegboyega also argued that his absence would jeopardize ongoing community projects he initiated.
However, the Home Office presented a contrasting narrative, highlighting the church’s troubled history.
“Various branches of SPAC Nation have been closed by the Charity Commission or the High Court due to concerns over finances and lack of transparency,” the judgment noted.
Former members of SPAC Nation described the organization as a cult, alleging that vulnerable young people were pressured to donate money through extreme measures, including taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their own blood.
The tribunal was told that church leaders lived lavishly, with allegations of abuse further tarnishing its reputation.
Adegboyega, who entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor visa and overstayed, applied for leave to remain in 2019 under the ECHR.
He denied the accusations against him and argued that the claims of SPAC Nation being a cult were baseless.
However, the Charity Commission’s investigation found “serious misconduct and mismanagement” within the organization over an extended period.
The tribunal rejected Adegboyega’s assertions, describing his claims as “hyperbolic” and finding that he had exaggerated his influence and contributions.
“We are not satisfied that SPAC Nation’s work would collapse or suffer significantly if he were deported,” the judgment concluded.
It further determined that the family and private life Adegboyega had established in the UK while living unlawfully could continue after his return to Nigeria. The tribunal deemed the deportation decision “proportionate” and lawful, dismissing his appeal.