Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega refuted claims that he is facing imminent deportation from the United Kingdom.
Adegboyega, who recently lost a legal battle against deportation due to alleged £1.87 million fraud, maintains his innocence. He dismissed the accusations as unfounded and urged the public to disregard them.
In December, a UK Charity Commission investigation uncovered “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the administration of his church.
According to PUNCH Online, an immigration tribunal ordered Adegboyega’s deportation to Nigeria following the probe that exposed potential misuse of church funds.
In a recent BBC interview, the founder of SPAC Nation church rejected the allegations, attributing the fraud claims to “disgruntled members” of his congregation.
“It’s simply untrue. They’ve been making these accusations for the past four years,” Adegboyega countered.
“In any group of 1,000 people, there are bound to be some unhappy individuals. How can you run an organization without encountering some dissatisfaction?” he questioned.
Adegboyega further denied reports of a deportation order, insisting the case is still ongoing.
“There is no deportation order in place, let me be very clear about that,” he emphasized.
Adegboyega revealed his decision to trust the judicial process, highlighting his church’s contributions to the community, such as reducing knife crime and gun violence among youth.
“Our approach is practical. We help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds escape a life of crime,” he explained.
Responding to criticism about his extravagant lifestyle, the pastor explained his use of luxury goods as a way to connect with his young audience.
“I dress in a way that resonates with the younger generation I’m trying to reach, to steer them away from the influence of drug dealers,” he said.
Adegboyega addressed his extended stay in the UK, admitting his arrival in 2005 on a visitor’s visa at the age of 25. He acknowledged failing to regularize his immigration status.
“I lost track of time,” he said, referring to the nearly decade-long delay in applying for proper documentation.
