LONDON, UK – Tobi Adegboyega, the controversial senior pastor of the now defunct Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, has lost his appeal against deportation from the United Kingdom following allegations of financial fraud amounting to £1.87 million.
An immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, who overstayed his visitor’s visa in 2005, should be deported to Nigeria.
The 44-year-old pastor’s legal team argued that deportation would violate his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR, citing his marriage to a British citizen and his work with vulnerable youth in London.
They described him as a charismatic leader who had helped hundreds of young people from Black communities avoid crime.
Adegboyega also claimed his contributions had been recognised by figures such as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior officials in the Metropolitan Police, although no evidence from these figures was presented in court.
Despite these arguments, the tribunal sided with the Home Office, which presented extensive evidence of financial mismanagement and other allegations, including:
- Cult-like practices within the church, including reports of vulnerable members being coerced into donating large sums of money.
- Pressure tactics that allegedly included encouraging members to take out loans, commit benefit fraud, and even sell their blood to raise funds for the church.
- Lavish lifestyles led by the church’s leadership, raising questions about the misuse of donations.
The Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, which Adegboyega once led, had already been shut down due to concerns over financial irregularities and a lack of transparency.
Tribunal’s Findings
The tribunal ruled that Adegboyega’s claims of community value and personal ties to the UK were outweighed by the serious concerns over his conduct and the allegations against his organisation.
“The evidence presented by the Home Office, including reports of financial exploitation and allegations of abuse, undermines the appellant’s assertion of significant positive contributions to UK society,” the tribunal stated.
While Adegboyega argued that no criminal charges had been brought against him or the church and that the accusations were politically motivated, the tribunal upheld the Home Office’s deportation decision.
Adegboyega had previously applied for leave to remain in 2019, citing his family life, but his application was rejected.
The appeal to the immigration tribunal marked his latest attempt to remain in the UK, where he has lived unlawfully for nearly two decades.
The case has sparked mixed reactions. Critics have pointed to the allegations of financial misconduct and exploitation as justification for the deportation.
Supporters, however, have lauded Adegboyega’s efforts to engage with and uplift marginalised youth, accusing authorities of targeting him unfairly.
It remains unclear whether Adegboyega will seek further legal recourse to challenge the tribunal’s decision or comply with the deportation order.
The ruling underscores the UK’s stance on immigration violations and concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, with officials asserting that such behaviours have no place in the country.
