Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega has refuted reports of a deportation order from the United Kingdom following accusations of a £1.87 million fraud linked to his church. The founder of SPAC Nation, a controversial London-based church, dismissed the claims in an interview with the BBC on Friday, asserting that the allegations stem from disgruntled members of his congregation.
Allegations of Fraud and Charity Mismanagement
In December, the UK Charity Commission concluded an investigation into SPAC Nation, uncovering what it described as “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the administration of the church. Following the investigation, an immigration tribunal reportedly ruled that Adegboyega should be deported to Nigeria due to the misuse of church funds.
However, Adegboyega vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them baseless and motivated by a few unhappy individuals within his church. “If you have 1,000 people in a place, are you telling me 30 people will not be disgruntled? How on earth do you run an organisation without disgruntled people?” he questioned.
No Deportation Order, Pastor Insists
Adegboyega clarified that no deportation order exists against him, calling the matter an “ongoing issue” that has been misrepresented in the media. “There is no deportation order. Let me make that clear,” he stated firmly.
The pastor added that he trusts the UK judiciary to handle the matter fairly. “My fate is in the hands of the judges,” he said, expressing confidence in his eventual vindication.
Defense of Community Impact
Adegboyega defended his work with SPAC Nation, highlighting the church’s efforts in reducing crime among youth in the UK. He emphasized the church’s role in taking knives off the streets and tackling gun violence by mentoring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We believe in a practical approach to help a community – young people coming out of low socio-economic backgrounds, taking them out of crime,” Adegboyega said.
Criticism of Lavish Lifestyle
The pastor also addressed criticism over his flamboyant lifestyle, which has drawn scrutiny in the past. He explained that his use of luxury items is a deliberate strategy to connect with the younger generation. “I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers,” he explained.
Immigration Status Under Scrutiny
Adegboyega admitted to irregularities in his immigration status, revealing that he first arrived in the UK in 2005 on a visitor’s visa but failed to legalize his stay. He attributed the lapse to assumptions that his family was handling his immigration paperwork.
“I lost track of time,” he said, explaining the nearly decade-long delay in addressing his legal status.
A Polarizing Figure
Tobi Adegboyega has long been a polarizing figure in the UK, celebrated by some for his community work and criticized by others for alleged financial misconduct and his ostentatious lifestyle. As the legal proceedings unfold, his case continues to spark debates over religious leadership, accountability, and the treatment of immigrants in the UK.
For now, the pastor remains defiant, dismissing the accusations as unfounded while awaiting the resolution of his legal battles.
