In a landmark court ruling, the UK Immigration Court has ordered the deportation of Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian-born religious leader accused of embezzling £1.87 million in church funds.
Adegboyega, founder of the now-defunct Church of the Proclaimers of the Annunciation, also known as SPAC Nation, has faced numerous allegations of financial misconduct and cult-like practices within his ministry.
The court’s decision follows an investigation into the misuse of funds and allegations by former members of the church. There have been numerous reports of pressure on congregants to take out loans or engage in illegal activities to fund the church’s operations.
Church Closure and Charges
SPAC Nation, known for its flamboyant services and work with young Londoners, particularly black communities, was shut down after the UK Charity Commission and the High Court raised concerns about its lack of financial transparency.
Investigators cited allegations that church members were pressured to sell their blood and commit fraud to meet financial demands.
Former members have also accused the leadership of living lavish lifestyles at the expense of impoverished congregants.
A Home Office official argued that the findings undermine Adegboyega’s claims to be a positive force in the community.
“Adegboyega’s church was closed because of serious concerns about its finances and lack of transparency,” the court noted, according to the Street Journal.
“Allegations of abuse, exploitation and sectarian behaviour cannot be ignored when assessing his contribution to the UK.”
Human rights defence rejected
Adegboyega, who is married to a British woman, argued that his deportation would breach his right to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
He also argued his role as a community leader helping young people at risk avoid crime. His legal team described him as a “charismatic leader” who had won praise from prominent figures including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials.
Adegboyega argued that the projects he launched in London would collapse without him.
However, the court rejected these claims, calling Adegboyega’s evidence “hyperbolic” and finding that he had exaggerated his influence.
“It is implausible that he personally supervised all of this work,” the judgment said..
Final verdict of the court
The court ruled that Adegboyega’s human rights argument did not outweigh the evidence against him. It concluded that his family ties, established while he was in the UK illegally, would survive his deportation.
“The decision to refuse leave to remain is entirely proportionate,” the court said. “Adegboyega’s relationships and the good work of SPAC Nation can survive his return to Nigeria.”
Adegboyega, who entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor visa and overstayed, had previously appealed a decision to refuse leave to remain.