The Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Abuja, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has refuted claims that his ministry used the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to mislead the public regarding spiritual items.
In a statement released on Sunday by the church’s media team, signed by spokesperson Sophia Iloyd, the church described the allegations as “false and misleading.”
This response follows NAFDAC’s public warning issued the same day, alerting Nigerians to claims that Fufeyin’s church had used the agency’s name inappropriately to endorse spiritual products.
The ministry, however, affirmed its respect for Nigerian laws, including those of NAFDAC, while stressing that it operates within the legal framework guaranteed by Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which safeguard freedom of religion and expression.
“As a church, we are guided by our faith and biblical teachings. We have used spiritual items solely as an expression of our religious beliefs,” the church stated.
The ministry firmly denied the NAFDAC claims, asserting it has never produced or sold consumable products to the public, nor has it invoked NAFDAC’s name in such matters.
The only pending complaint against the church, according to the statement, stems from a petition filed by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman. The church is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Otse over various allegations.
Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry also confirmed receipt of a letter from NAFDAC on August 27, 2024, inviting Prophet Fufeyin to address concerns regarding the ministry’s use of miracle and healing items. However, the church argued that it was given less than 12 hours to respond to the inquiry, and it had already communicated its position to the agency.
Furthermore, the ministry claimed that Otse had forged receipts to support his allegations, which were reportedly inconsistent with the official receipts issued by the church. These discrepancies, according to the church, are currently under police investigation.
The church noted that it has officially informed NAFDAC of these issues, but has yet to receive a response from the agency regarding the matter.
