News
UK To Deport Controversial Nigerian Pastor, Tobi Adegboyega
Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor at the center of a £1.87 million fraud investigation, has lost his bid to avoid deportation, despite arguing it would violate his human rights.
An immigration tribunal ruled that Tobi Adegboyega, 44, cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, will be deported to Nigeria following allegations of financial misconduct linked to his church, SPAC Nation.
The church was previously shut down after failing to account for substantial outgoings and facing accusations of a lack of transparency.
According to Vanguard, Adegboyega contended that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing his marriage to a British citizen and his community work.
His legal team described him as a “charismatic” leader who had positively impacted hundreds of young people in London, particularly in the Black community, by steering them away from crime.
Despite claims that his efforts were praised by prominent figures, including Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officers, no evidence supporting these endorsements was presented in court. Adegboyega also argued that his absence would jeopardize ongoing community projects he initiated.
However, the Home Office presented a contrasting narrative, highlighting the church’s troubled history.
“Various branches of SPAC Nation have been closed by the Charity Commission or the High Court due to concerns over finances and lack of transparency,” the judgment noted.
Former members of SPAC Nation described the organization as a cult, alleging that vulnerable young people were pressured to donate money through extreme measures, including taking out loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their own blood.
The tribunal was told that church leaders lived lavishly, with allegations of abuse further tarnishing its reputation.
Adegboyega, who entered the UK in 2005 on a visitor visa and overstayed, applied for leave to remain in 2019 under the ECHR.
He denied the accusations against him and argued that the claims of SPAC Nation being a cult were baseless.
However, the Charity Commission’s investigation found “serious misconduct and mismanagement” within the organization over an extended period.
The tribunal rejected Adegboyega’s assertions, describing his claims as “hyperbolic” and finding that he had exaggerated his influence and contributions.
“We are not satisfied that SPAC Nation’s work would collapse or suffer significantly if he were deported,” the judgment concluded.
It further determined that the family and private life Adegboyega had established in the UK while living unlawfully could continue after his return to Nigeria. The tribunal deemed the deportation decision “proportionate” and lawful, dismissing his appeal.
Vanguard
Honourable Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has fulfilled his promise to illuminate communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area.
The lawmaker has just begun the deployment of high-density solar-powered street lights in Ikem Nkwo, marking the beginning of a massive rollout of the street lamps across the communities in Isi Uzo.
This initiative, which started in Enugu East Local Government Area in 2024, aims to support the fight against insecurity in the state which according to him was to add to what Chief Security Officer of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mba had done to secure the state to attracts foreign investments.
The lawmaker expressed concern over banditry attacks, particularly by herdsmen, in some communities within Isi Uzo and Enugu East Local Government Areas in the recent pasts.
He believes that illuminating these areas with high-density street lights would help address the insecurity adding that he was prioritizing border and farming communities in Isi Uzo, where banditry has displaced residents and restricted farming activities.
Communities in Ikem, Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo which borders Enugu and Benue State and Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East have been vulnerable to these attacks due to their strategic locations.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.
Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.
In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.
The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.
Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.
He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.
The Osun State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has received thousands of decampees from the All Progressives Congress and other political parties into its fold.
The decampees, who are mostly from the Omisore Youth Support Forum (OYSF) joined the party at a ceremony held at party secretariat in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Wednesday.
The were received by the Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Hon. Sunday Bisi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff and other party leader.
While receiving the decampees, Bisi renamed the group as Adeleke Youth Support Forum (AYSF) as they declared their support for Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid.
One of the leaders of the decampees, Mr Francis Fasogbon said they were “inspired by the good governance delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
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