“No Deportation Order Against Me Over Alleged Fraud” – UK-Based Pastor Tobi Adegboyega

Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega has denied allegations that he is facing deportation from the United Kingdom, dismissing the claims as baseless.

Adegboyega, who reportedly lost a legal case regarding his deportation over an alleged £1.87 million fraud, refuted the accusations, calling them unfounded.

The controversy stems from a December investigation by the UK Charity Commission, which found evidence of “serious misconduct and mismanagement” in the administration of his church.

KanyiDaily recalls that an immigration tribunal had ruled in favor of Pastor Adegboyega’s deportation following revelations of financial mismanagement linked to his church.

However, in an interview with the BBC, Adegboyega, founder of the SPAC Nation church, described the fraud claims as originating from “disgruntled members” of his congregation.

“It is false. They have been on this thing for the past four years,” Pastor Tobi Adegboyega said.

“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 also denied reports of a deportation order, clarifying that the matter was an “ongoing issue”.

“There is no deportation order. Let me make that clear,” he stated.

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega expressed confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing his church’s positive contributions to the UK community.

He highlighted initiatives such as removing knives from the streets and combating gun violence, particularly among youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We believe in a practical approach to help a community – young people coming out of low social-economic background, taking them out of crime,” he explained.

Regarding criticism of his lavish lifestyle, Adegboyega defended his fashion choices as a strategy to connect with younger generations.

He said, “I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers”.

The pastor also addressed questions about his long stay in the UK, admitting he initially entered the country on a visitor visa in 2005 at the age of 25 but failed to regularize his status.

Adegboyega attributed the delay to assumptions that his family was managing his immigration process.

“I lost track of time,” he admitted, referencing the nearly decade-long delay in addressing his paperwork.

KanyiDaily recalls that Pastor Tobi Adegboyega had urged Nigerians to be proud of him, emphasizing his ability to thrive in the UK despite challenges.