Senior Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ MercyLand Ministry has denied allegations that the church used the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) name to deceive Nigerians in connection with spiritual items.
The denial was issued through the church’s media outlet, MercyLand Television Deliverance Ministry, in a statement signed by Sophia Iloyd on Sunday.
This response came after an online publication by a national daily, which claimed that NAFDAC was investigating the church for using its name in relation to “miracle water” and “soap.”
The church categorically stated that the report was false.
The statement clarified that Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry adheres to Nigerian laws, including the NAFDAC Act.
It emphasized that the church has always been guided by its faith and the constitution, particularly Sections 38 and 39, which guarantee freedom of religion.
“We have been using certain spiritual items in expression of our religious beliefs,” the statement said.
The church added that it has never used NAFDAC’s name to deceive the public nor produced or sold consumable items.
Addressing the claims further, the church pointed out that the only pending petition against them comes from an individual, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman, who is currently being sued by the church in the FCT High Court.
Christ MercyLand also disclosed receiving an invitation from NAFDAC’s Asaba office in connection to the church’s spiritual items. However, the church requested more time to respond due to the short notice.
The statement went on to claim that Mr. Otse forged church receipts in his complaint to NAFDAC and that a police investigation is ongoing into this alleged forgery.
The church stated that the receipts presented by the complainant differ from those in the church’s official records.
Despite these clarifications, Christ MercyLand noted that it has yet to receive any formal feedback from NAFDAC regarding the case or its submitted documents.
The church reiterated its commitment to operating within the law and urged the public not to be misled by the false reports circulating online.