Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor and cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, has lost his legal battle against deportation from the United Kingdom.
An immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, 44, should be returned to Nigeria following allegations of financial misconduct linked to his now-shuttered church, SPAC Nation.
The controversial pastor had argued that deportation would violate his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his family life with his British wife and his community work in London. Adegboyega’s legal team described him as a “charismatic leader” who had positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young people, particularly from Black communities, through his church initiatives.
Adegboyega also claimed to have received praise from prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials, though no formal testimonies were provided during the proceedings. He maintained that his absence would severely affect the projects he spearheaded in the UK.
However, the tribunal was unconvinced. The Home Office presented evidence of significant concerns surrounding SPAC Nation’s operations. Both the Charity Commission and the High Court previously intervened to shut down the church due to financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.
The court also heard disturbing allegations from former church members, who described SPAC Nation as a cult-like organization. Members were reportedly pressured to make large financial donations, sometimes resorting to loans, benefit fraud, or even selling their own blood. Meanwhile, church leaders allegedly enjoyed extravagant lifestyles.
Adegboyega, who initially entered the UK on a visitor visa in 2005 and later overstayed, applied for leave to remain in 2019 under the ECHR. He denied any criminal wrongdoing and dismissed accusations against him as politically motivated.
Nonetheless, the tribunal found the evidence against him compelling. It noted that the Charity Commission had identified “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” within SPAC Nation over an extended period. The court also criticized Adegboyega’s testimony, describing it as “hyperbolic” and suggesting he exaggerated his contributions and influence.
The tribunal concluded that the refusal of Adegboyega’s leave to remain was proportionate, noting that his family and private life connections were established while he was unlawfully in the UK. It also determined that SPAC Nation’s activities would not collapse in his absence.
The ruling affirmed that Adegboyega’s deportation would be lawful, with the tribunal stating, “The interference would therefore be limited and lawful in all the circumstances.”
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