Tobi Adegboyega, a Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation (Salvation Proclaimer Ministries Limited), has come under scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct. In June 2022, the UK government shut down SPAC Nation after a court ruling revealed the church’s failure to account for more than £1.87 million in its financial records. The church, which had been established to support vulnerable groups such as youth and ex-offenders, was found to have operated without transparency, submitting suspicious financial reports and failing to provide sufficient documentation for its claimed expenses .
Despite initially gaining recognition for its charitable work, SPAC Nation began facing media backlash by late 2019, when former members accused the church of financial exploitation. Investigations revealed that the church had rented venues across London at high costs but had no permanent base of operations, raising further questions about its financial practices. The UK’s Insolvency Service and the Charity Commission’s ongoing investigations into the organization have revealed discrepancies in its financial accounts and governance .
The church’s closure was prompted by a court ruling stating that SPAC Nation had operated in a manner that lacked financial transparency, and had even provided false or inconsistent information during the investigation. The UK government’s actions were in the public interest, aimed at preventing further harm from financial mismanagement. The organization also faced criticism for its handling of funds, especially after it was revealed that it had failed to provide adequate accounting records, despite its claims of substantial donations .
In response to the allegations, Tobi Adegboyega, the prominent pastor of SPAC Nation, stepped down as head pastor in 2020. Following this, the church rebranded to “Nxtion Family,” although it continued to face scrutiny over its financial practices. The UK’s charity watchdog, the Charity Commission, remains involved in the investigation, focusing on safeguarding and governance issues within the organization .
This case highlights the importance of transparency in both religious and charitable organizations. It serves as a warning about the need for accountability, especially when managing large sums of money intended for charitable purposes. Adegboyega’s involvement in the scandal and the closure of SPAC Nation has sparked widespread discussion about the potential for abuse of power within such organizations and the necessity for stronger regulatory oversight .
