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Olayiwola Matthew
Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of the SPAC Nation church, has reacted to news that he lost his battle against deportation from the United Kingdom (UK) over an alleged £1.87 million fraud.
The Telegraph had reported that an immigration tribunal has ruled that Adegboyega should be deported to Nigeria after investigations exposed the misuse of funds by his church.
The newspaper said the pastor has lived in the UK unlawfully since overstaying on a visitor’s visa secured in 2005.
However, in a video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Adegboyega claimed there is no criminal case against him.
The pastor added that his supporters should not panic, noting that he is at home and has succeeded against several challenges in the UK.
“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm, and naturally I’ll dismiss things that have to do with retrogression,” he said.
“Every Nigerian should be proud of me. In the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I’ve survived all sorts. So, the matter that they are propagating now is the smallest of matter.
“There’s no need for panic. I love London City; it’s my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here, pastors and leaders, I have survived everything.
“Now, let me talk about the fraud case.
“This is an advanced country. After all these years, have you ever heard someone go to the parliament and make all sorts of complaints? Someone from another race, another colour. Nothing came out of it.
“So, those who hate, hate already. What you want to hear is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is they’ve arrested him for money this, money that.
“Not one criminal case, not one money case. You should all be proud of me and of the nation’s family.
“So, I’m here; I’m at home. Nobody should panic for me. I succeeded well in this country despite all the challenges.
“And I’m in the league of the people you look up to, people that you pick out to persecute. I’ve survived that well.
“Nothing has changed. Nothing will change. I assure all our followers and friends that there will be no embarrassment for you other than noise and noise, which we’ve survived for many years.
“I am here. I’m PT number one in London City, and nothing is going to bring us down. I love you all. That’s all I’m going to say for now. Thank you.”