The United Kingdom has decided to deport Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian-born religious leader, after claims he mismanaged £1.87 million (about N4 billion) in church funds.
Adegboyega, who led the now-closed SPAC Nation church, has been accused of financial misconduct and forcing church members into questionable activities.
Investigations revealed that some members were pressured into taking loans, selling blood, or committing benefit fraud to meet church demands.
SPAC Nation, which targeted young people in London’s Black community, gained attention for its flashy services. However, it was shut down after the UK Charity Commission and High Court found issues with its finances and management.
Former church members alleged that leaders lived luxurious lifestyles while exploiting others. A Home Office representative argued that Pastor Adegboyega’s actions contradicted his image as a community leader.
In his defense, Adegboyega said he had helped many young people avoid crime and claimed deportation would disrupt his family and the community projects he had started.
He also cited his marriage to a British citizen as a reason to remain in the UK.
However, the UK tribunal rejected his claims, stating that his impact was exaggerated and that his family could still maintain their ties without him.
Adegboyega originally entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor’s visa but overstayed. His earlier requests to stay in the UK were denied, and the tribunal described his conduct as showing “serious mismanagement.”
