ALLEGED £1.87M FRAUD: UK to deport flamboyant Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega
A Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, whose church was shut down over an alleged £1.87 million fraud, has lost his legal battle against deportation, despite asserting that it would violate his human rights.
The national and leader of the now-defunct SPAC Nation (Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church), is facing deportation from the UK due to allegations of financial misconduct. The church was shut down after investigations revealed that it failed to account for over £1.87 million in expenses, leading to concerns about its financial practices and transparency.
Adegboyega lost his appeal against deportation despite arguing that it would violate his human rights, specifically his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He cited his marriage to a British citizen as a basis for this claim. However, the UK immigration tribunal ruled against him, stating that his claims were not sufficient to outweigh the serious allegations against him and the church.
The tribunal noted that Adegboyega’s church had been involved in various controversies, including accusations from former members who described SPAC Nation as operating like a cult. Allegations included pressuring congregants into taking out loans or engaging in illegal activities to support church finances. The Home Office presented evidence of these claims, which contributed significantly to the tribunal’s decision.
READ ALSO: Law Professor seeks sacking of Judges who embarrass judiciary
Adegboyega’s legal team argued that he played a crucial role in helping at-risk youth in London, particularly within Black communities, by steering them away from crime. They described him as a “charismatic” community leader whose work had received praise from notable figures, including politicians and police officials. However, no formal testimonies were provided during the court proceedings to substantiate these claims.
The tribunal found these assertions exaggerated and concluded that SPAC Nation’s operations would not collapse without Adegboyega’s leadership. It emphasized that any family ties he established while unlawfully residing in the UK would not be sufficient grounds for him to remain.
Final decision
Ultimately, the tribunal determined that Adegboyega’s deportation was lawful and proportionate given the circumstances surrounding his case. The ruling highlighted that while he claimed significant contributions to community welfare, these did not mitigate the serious concerns regarding financial misconduct associated with his church.
Adegboyega is now set to be deported from the UK to Nigeria.
