Embattled Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has reassured his followers that nothing will bring him down, despite losing his deportation appeal in the United Kingdom.
He emphasized there was no reason for concern amid the British government’s plans to deport him.
Adegboyega, who rose to prominence as the leader of SPAC Nation, has been embroiled in controversy after UK authorities shut down his church over alleged financial irregularities.
Investigations revealed that SPAC Nation could not account for over £1.87 million in expenses, with concerns over transparency and governance.
The Charity Commission and the High Court had previously acted against the organization, citing mismanagement and misconduct.
Having arrived in the UK on a visitor’s visa in 2005, Adegboyega has lived unlawfully in the country since. In 2019, he applied for leave to remain under the European Convention on Human Rights, citing his right to a family life.
However, both his application and appeals were rejected by the tribunal.
In a video from his UK residence, Adegboyega dismissed concerns, saying, “I’m right here at home; no cause for alarm; naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression. Every Nigerian should be proud of me here in the UK, a city that is known for pulling people down; I have survived all sorts. So the matter they are propagating now is the smallest of matters. No panic, I love London City and nobody can do anything.”
He further addressed allegations of fraud, highlighting his survival and resilience, noting, “Of all the people you know here, pastors and leaders of colour, I have survived them. Now, let me talk about the fraud case, this is an advanced country and after all these years, have you ever heard somebody goes to the parliament to make all sorts of complaints? Someone from another race and colour, nothing came out of it.”
He urged his followers to remain calm, stating, “What you want to hear is not what you heard today; what you want to hear is that they have already arrested him for fraud but not one criminal case, not one money case; you should all be proud of me and the Nation family.
“I’m here at home and nobody should panic for me; I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges and I’m in the league of people you look up to, people that they will pick out to persecute. I’m surviving well, nothing has changed and to all our followers and friends, there will be no embarrassment for you other than noise which we survived for many years. I’m here as PT, number one in London City and nothing is going to bring us down.”
