Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor and former leader of SPAC Nation, has lost his legal battle against deportation from the UK. The 44-year-old faced deportation after his church was shut down over allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.
Adegboyega, who entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor visa and remained unlawfully, argued that deportation would violate his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights due to his marriage to a British citizen and his contributions to the community through his church. His legal team highlighted his role in SPAC Nation as a community leader who provided mentorship to young people in London.
The Home Office opposed his appeal, citing concerns about the administration of SPAC Nation, which was investigated for alleged financial irregularities. Allegations also emerged about church members being pressured to contribute funds through various means.
Although Adegboyega claimed his projects would suffer in his absence, the tribunal concluded that his removal would not significantly impact the church’s broader work. It was also noted that his family and personal relationships, established while he was unlawfully in the UK, could be maintained following his return to Nigeria.
The tribunal determined that the decision to refuse him leave to remain was proportionate, considering the circumstances surrounding his immigration status and the alleged issues linked to his former organization.
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