Tobi Adegboyega, a prominent Nigerian pastor and former leader of the controversial SPAC Nation church, has lost his legal battle to remain in the United Kingdom. A UK immigration tribunal ruled in favor of his deportation to Nigeria, rejecting his arguments that deportation would breach his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Adegboyega, 44, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, claimed the Home Office failed to recognize his contributions to the community through his work with SPAC Nation. The church, which primarily served young Black communities in London, was shut down following investigations that revealed financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency, with £1.87 million in unaccounted expenditures.
Despite his marriage to a British citizen and claims of being a “charismatic leader” who helped steer young people away from crime, the tribunal dismissed his defense. His legal team had argued that his initiatives had been praised by figures such as Boris Johnson and senior members of the Metropolitan Police, but no evidence of their support was presented in court.
The tribunal was informed of serious allegations against SPAC Nation, including reports that impoverished members were pressured into donating money through extreme means, such as taking out loans, committing fraud, and selling blood. The Charity Commission also cited “serious misconduct and mismanagement” within the organization, further weakening Adegboyega’s case.
The pastor, who overstayed a visitor’s visa granted in 2005, had previously applied for leave to remain under the ECHR’s right to a family life. However, his application was rejected due to his unlawful residency status. During his appeal, Adegboyega denied any criminal wrongdoing and described allegations against SPAC Nation as politically motivated.
The tribunal dismissed his claims, noting that his evidence was “hyperbolic” and exaggerated his influence. It concluded that his removal from the UK would not significantly impact the projects he led or the well-being of his family, who could maintain their relationships with him in Nigeria.
The judgment stated that Adegboyega’s private and family life in the UK was established while he was unlawfully present, making the interference with his rights “limited and lawful.” Consequently, the tribunal upheld the Home Office’s decision, paving the way for his deportation.
