Tobi Adegboyega, cousin of Star Wars star John Boyega and pastor of Croydon based Salvation Proclaimer Ministries, also known as SPAC Nation, has failed in his appeal against deportation. He was accused of financial misconduct at his church after filing ‘suspicious and incorrect accounts’.

The church was incorporated as a charity in 2012, described as working with vulnerable people, youth, and offenders. Later it was accused of exploiting the people it was claiming to help.

The financial misconduct led to an investigation by the Insolvency Service and a subsequent winding up order.

Edna Okhiria, chief investigator for the Insolvency Service, said at the time: ‘While SPAC Nation claimed it had noble intentions to support vulnerable and young people, our enquiries uncovered a different side of the charity.

‘There were clear concerns around how the church group managed its affairs and SPAC Nation failed to properly account for income received from donations and other expenditure.

‘The court recognised the severity of SPAC Nation’s actions, and this sends a strong message that proper records and accounts must be maintained, even if you’re a charity.’

Adegboyega argued against his deportation, stating that it would be against his human rights as he is married to a British woman, and that the continued work of SPAC Nation would be hindered without him being there.

The deportation decision noted that Adegboyega had overstayed his visitor’s visa by 14 years, only applying for a leave to remain visa in 2019. This was initially refused but appealed by Adegboyega.

The tribunal said: ‘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.

‘Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.

‘[Mr Adegboyega] seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully, and which would survive his return to Nigeria.

‘The interference would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances.’

Adegboyega said in a video posted on his Instagram account: ‘I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm, and naturally I’ll dismiss things that have to do with retrogression.

‘Every Nigerian should be proud of me. In the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I’ve survived all sorts. So, the matter that they are propagating now is the smallest of matter.

‘There’s no need for panic. I love London City; it’s my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here, pastors and leaders, I have survived everything.

‘Now, let me talk about the fraud case. ‘This is an advanced country. After all these years, have you ever heard someone go to the parliament and make all sorts of complaints? Someone from another race, another colour. Nothing came out of it.

‘So, those who hate, hate already. What you want to hear is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is they’ve arrested him for money this, money that.

‘Not one criminal case, not one money case. You should all be proud of me and of the nation’s family.

‘So, I’m here; I’m at home. Nobody should panic for me. I succeeded well in this country despite all the challenges.

‘And I’m in the league of the people you look up to, people that you pick out to persecute. I’ve survived that well.

‘Nothing has changed. Nothing will change. I assure all our followers and friends that there will be no embarrassment for you other than noise and noise, which we’ve survived for many years.

‘I am here. I’m PT number one in London City, and nothing is going to bring us down. I love you all. That’s all I’m going to say for now. Thank you.’

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