Esther Salifu
The British government has ruled that popular Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, be deported to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at an immigration tribunal. Adegboyega’s church, SPAC Nation, was shut down by UK authorities after investigations revealed a misuse of funds by the church leadership, with over £1.87 million unaccounted for .
“We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK,” the tribunal ruled. The decision comes after Adegboyega’s appeal against deportation was rejected, with the tribunal citing concerns over his church’s finances and lack of transparency .
Adegboyega, who has lived in the UK unlawfully since 2005, claimed that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the tribunal found his evidence to be “hyperbolic in many instances” and stated that he had “sought to grossly inflate his influence”.
