By Comfort James
Nigerian-born pastor Tobi Adegboyega has lost his deportation appeal in the United Kingdom and faces removal to Nigeria amidst allegations of financial misconduct involving his London-based church.
Adegboyega, a cousin of renowned actor John Boyega, has been embroiled in controversy over claims of fraudulent practices tied to Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), which he led. The allegations center around the mismanagement of £1.87 million (approximately ₦4 billion) in church funds.
The pastor’s appeal to remain in the UK was dismissed by an immigration tribunal, rejecting his claims that deportation would violate his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Adegboyega argued that his marriage to a British woman and his community work provided a basis for his continued residence in the UK. However, the court cited significant evidence of financial irregularities within his church, ultimately deciding in favor of the Home Office’s deportation case.
Fraud Allegations and Church Mismanagement
SPAC Nation, once hailed for its community-focused programs, faced scrutiny following complaints from former members. The UK Insolvency Service found that the church failed to account for £1.87 million in expenditures, including over £610,000 on venue rentals, despite not owning a permanent base.
Investigators uncovered inconsistent financial records and claims that the church leadership pressured members into taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling blood to fund lavish lifestyles
The court further noted that multiple branches of Adegboyega’s church had been shut down over concerns regarding governance and transparency. The Charity Commission continues to investigate the church for financial mismanagement and safeguarding failures.
Charismatic Leadership in Question
Adegboyega’s legal team emphasized his role as a charismatic community leader who had positively influenced youth and vulnerable populations in London. His work reportedly received praise from figures such as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and members of the Metropolitan Police. “Our inquiries uncovered a different side of the charity,” Edna Okhiria, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated in response to claims of the church’s community contributions.
Despite these arguments, the tribunal sided with the Home Office, which presented evidence of widespread financial exploitation and a lack of transparency within the organization. Allegations from former members portrayed the church as a “cult,” further discrediting Adegboyega’s defense.
Adegboyega had been living in the UK illegally since 2005 after overstaying a visitor visa. In 2019, he applied for residency based on his family ties and human rights, but his application was denied, and subsequent appeals have failed.
The court ruling reflects increasing scrutiny of financial and governance irregularities in faith-based organizations. Adegboyega’s case serves as a cautionary tale for leaders of high-profile institutions operating without transparency.
