The British government has ordered the deportation of Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of SPAC Nation, after he lost his appeal at an immigration tribunal.
The tribunal’s decision follows investigations that revealed financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in the operations of SPAC Nation, leading to its closure by UK authorities.
The UK Charity Commission shut down SPAC Nation after Adegboyega failed to account for over £1.87 million in expenses.
The tribunal also heard allegations that the church encouraged impoverished members to take drastic measures, such as securing large loans and committing fraud, in order to make donations.
The UK government ordered his deportation after the immigration tribunal ruled against him, following a series of investigations into his church’s financial practices.
UK authorities shut down SPAC Nation after the church failed to account for more than £1.87 million in outgoing funds, and allegations of financial mismanagement and exploitation surfaced.
Adegboyega, who moved to London from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2005, initially shared a room with his cousin, actor John Boyega, and worked as a kitchen porter.
Despite his humble beginnings, Adegboyega went on to found SPAC Nation in 2008, which began with only three members. His church gained attention for its unconventional practices, including encouraging criminals to drop their weapons at the altar during services—an act that earned both praise and criticism.
Adegboyega has denied the allegations against him, describing them as politically motivated attacks. He maintains that no criminal charges have ever been brought against him or his church regarding financial mismanagement.
By 2020, Adegboyega reportedly stepped down as Lead Pastor of SPAC Nation, handing over leadership to Samuel Akokhia, but continued to face numerous controversies. A BBC Panorama investigation accused him and other church leaders of financially exploiting church members. Adegboyega was quoted suggesting that it was not uncommon for members to give at least £1,000 a month to the church, with some individuals reportedly asked for large sums, including £20,000 for personal investments.
Adding to the claims of financial exploitation, Adegboyega’s lavish lifestyle like living in a £2.5 million mansion in Surrey, driving expensive cars, and wearing jewelry—raised questions about the church’s true purpose. Multiple allegations of financial mismanagement, fraud, and even domestic and sexual abuse emerged, culminating in the UK government ordering the church’s dissolution in 2022.
Despite the controversies, Adegboyega’s church was also recognized for certain charitable efforts, such as helping former criminals reintegrate into society and pledging to fight poverty in Lagos.
However, these positive claims were overshadowed by mounting evidence against him, including a lack of transparency in his financial dealings and accusations that his church encouraged vulnerable young people to take extreme measures to raise money.
Adegboyega’s appeal to remain in the UK, citing his family life and contributions to the community, was dismissed by the immigration tribunal. The tribunal found that his evidence was exaggerated, and the Home Office argued that his deportation would not infringe upon his human rights.
In its final ruling, the tribunal stated that the church’s good works would not collapse without Adegboyega in the UK and that his personal relationships, formed during his unlawful stay, could survive his return to Nigeria.
