Pastor Tobi Adegboyega to Be Deported After Losing £1.87m Fraud Case Appeal

Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, whose church was shut down over allegations of financial misconduct involving £1.87 million, has lost his legal battle against deportation. An immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, 44, the cousin of actor John Boyega, should be deported to Nigeria despite his claims that removal would violate his human rights.

The former head of SPAC Nation, a controversial church in the UK, faced scrutiny after investigations, including one by The Telegraph, revealed financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency. The church was closed following allegations that it encouraged members to take extreme measures, including taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and selling blood, to fund donations.

Adegboyega argued that deportation would breach his rights 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 influenced the lives of many young people in London, particularly from Black communities. They claimed his work had been praised by politicians and police officials, though no formal testimony was provided.

The Home Office contested these claims, presenting evidence of the church’s financial misconduct and allegations of exploitation within its operations. The tribunal noted that Adegboyega’s influence appeared exaggerated, stating that his absence would not significantly impact the church’s charitable projects.

Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully since overstaying a visitor’s visa in 2005. While he applied for leave to remain under the ECHR in 2019, the tribunal ruled against him, emphasizing the serious misconduct associated with SPAC Nation and questioning his personal value to the UK.

The tribunal concluded that the decision to deny Adegboyega’s application was “proportionate,” noting that his family and private life, established during his unlawful stay, would not be severely disrupted by his return to Nigeria.