The British Government is set to deport popular pastor Tobi Adegboyega to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at the immigration tribunal.
The UK government had previously shut down Adegboyega’s church, SPAC Nation, following investigations into the alleged misuse of funds by the church leadership. It was revealed that Adegboyega failed to properly account for more than £1.87 million in outgoings, operating with a lack of transparency.
Despite these issues, Adegboyega, who arrived in the UK on a visitor’s visa in 2005, sought to remain under the European Convention on Human Rights, citing his family life and community work. His application was initially dismissed, but he appealed, claiming deportation would violate his right to family life and impact his church’s charitable work with young people in London.
However, the Home Office countered that Adegboyega’s church had faced scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct, cult-like activities, and abusive practices. The immigration tribunal took into account the charity’s closure, claims of misconduct, and testimonies against Adegboyega, concluding that the refusal to allow him to stay in the UK was proportionate.
The tribunal found that while Adegboyega had contributed to the community, the good work of his church would not be significantly impacted by his deportation. It also ruled that the relationships he had established in the UK were created while living unlawfully and would not prevent his return to Nigeria.