Pastor Tobi Adegboyega denies UK deportation claims

In a recent interview with the BBC, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, a prominent Nigerian pastor and leader of SPAC Nation, dismissed claims of impending deportation from the UK. He clarified that there is no deportation order against him, a point he emphasized multiple times during the conversation. Adegboyega, who arrived in the UK in 2005 on a visitor's visa, admitted to having lost track of his immigration status due to delays in applying to regularize it. He asserted that it would be impossible to relocate his church, which focuses on assisting vulnerable communities, if deported, suggesting the deep roots the organization has established in the UK over the years. The church has recently faced serious allegations regarding financial misconduct and mismanagement. An investigation by the UK Charity Commission revealed significant deficiencies in the church's administration, while previous reports have accused the church of exploiting young members financially. Members have alleged they were pressured to donate through loans and benefit fraud, painting a troubling picture of the church's practices. Adegboyega dismissed these claims as unfounded, arguing that every organization has disgruntled members and that such criticism is part of managing a large congregation. SPAC Nation, known for its charitable initiatives aimed at helping young people from low socio-economic backgrounds and addressing community issues like gun violence, was established as a charity in the UK in 2012. The church had initially garnered attention for its outreach programs, which included providing support to young offenders. However, the recent scrutiny has put a spotlight on their operational practices, leading to further investigations into whether the church's actions align with its stated goals. As questions continue to swirl regarding the church's financial activities, Pastor Adegboyega appears determined to counter the negative narratives. He insists that his congregation is primarily focused on creating positive change in the community. Despite the allegations, he remains committed to his mission, highlighting the complexities of the situation as both a spiritual leader and public figure caught in a whirlwind of scrutiny and claims.