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.

Reverend Father Gerald Ohaeri, a Catholic priest from Isienu Nsukka Parish in the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, was kidnapped on Saturday while traveling along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Nsukka expressway in Enugu State.

Fr. Ohaeri, who was returning from a function in Enugu, was reportedly abducted on the stretch of road that has become notorious for criminal activity.

As of Tuesday evening, he remains in captivity, and efforts are underway to secure his release.

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The incident has raised fresh concerns about the growing insecurity along the expressway, which has seen an increase in criminal activities despite the presence of multiple police and military checkpoints along the less than 10-kilometer route.

“The Enugu-Abakpa-Ugwuogo-Nke-OPI Nsukka road has been a nightmare for motorists and residents in recent months,” a source told SaharaReporters.

In response to the rising wave of abductions, the Enugu State government recently stepped up its crackdown on criminal elements, including demolishing properties used to hold hostages.

Several buildings have been razed in the past few months as part of these efforts.

However, many of the kidnapped victims are reportedly transported to neighboring Benue and Kogi states, complicating rescue operations.

While the state government’s actions are aimed at curbing the crime wave, concerns continue to grow about the effectiveness of security measures in the area.

Local residents and travelers alike are calling for more robust actions to address the threat posed by kidnappers operating in the region.

Fr. Ohaeri’s abduction follows a troubling trend of kidnappings along this route, leaving communities on edge.

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has not yet issued a formal statement, but local parishioners have begun holding prayer vigils in hopes of the priest’s safe return.

Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), is currently being interrogated by operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.

Sources close to the investigation reveal that Idowu, known for his “Next-Level Prayer Conference,” was arrested in connection with allegations of real estate fraud and money laundering.

A top police source confirmed the arrest, stating, “The Next Level Prayer Conference, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has been arrested by the police, and he is being grilled in Abuja over real estate fraud and money laundering.”

“He is at the FCID Abuja as we speak,” another source added.

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Idowu founded Harvesters International Christian Center in December 2003, which has since grown into a global congregation with locations in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to the church’s website, the ministry attracts over 70,000 worshippers both online and on-site.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Idowu is known for his “Next Level Prayer Conference,” a platform aimed at helping individuals build a stronger prayer life, with participants joining both in person and virtually.