Crime
Nigerian Pastor, Adegboyega Faces Deportation From UK Over £1.87m Fraud Allegations
A Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has lost his legal battle against deportation from the UK, following allegations of financial misconduct and fraud involving £1.87 million linked to his church, SPAC Nation.
The immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, 44, should be deported to Nigeria, rejecting his claims that such a move would breach his human rights.
Adegboyega, a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, led SPAC Nation, a controversial Pentecostal church that was shut down amid allegations of financial mismanagement.
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The Charity Commission and other investigations uncovered misuse of funds and a lack of transparency within the organization.
Former members accused the church of pressuring young followers to secure money through loans, benefit fraud, and even selling their blood, while its leaders reportedly lived lavish lifestyles.
Adegboyega argued that deportation would violate his right to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his marriage to a British woman and his community work.
His legal team described him as a “charismatic” leader who helped steer hundreds of young people from troubled paths.
Adegboyega claimed his work had been praised by politicians, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police figures, although no direct testimonies were provided to the tribunal.
The tribunal, however, found these claims unconvincing, stating that Adegboyega’s evidence was “hyperbolic” and that he had “sought to grossly inflate his influence.”
The panel dismissed his assertion that his absence would lead to the collapse of community projects, noting that SPAC Nation had already been disbanded.
The Home Office presented evidence highlighting concerns about SPAC Nation’s operations.
It pointed to investigations revealing “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” over a substantial period, as determined by the Charity Commission.
Allegations from former church members included exploitative fundraising practices and accusations of abuse, further eroding Adegboyega’s case.
The tribunal ruled that Adegboyega’s private and family life could be maintained from Nigeria and that his prolonged unlawful stay in the UK since 2005, when he overstayed a visitor’s visa, undermined his appeal.
Summing up its decision, the tribunal concluded that the refusal to grant Adegboyega leave to remain was “wholly proportionate.”
It stated, “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 ruling marks the end of Adegboyega’s lengthy legal battle, paving the way for his deportation and further scrutiny of the controversial legacy of SPAC Nation.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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