Senior Prophet of the Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Abuja, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has refuted recent allegations suggesting that his ministry has misused the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to mislead the public in relation to its spiritual items.
According to The PUNCH, in a statement released on Sunday by the church’s media arm, signed by spokesperson Sophia Iloyd, the ministry categorically labeled the accusations as baseless and misleading.
This rebuttal was in response to a NAFDAC alert, also issued on Sunday, which warned the public of the ministry’s alleged misuse of the agency’s name.
The church’s statement emphasized that it operates within the bounds of the law, including the regulations set forth by NAFDAC, and that it upholds its responsibilities as a law-abiding institution.
It also highlighted the church’s respect for the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Sections 38 and 39, which safeguard freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
“As a church, we are guided by our faith and the teachings of the Bible. We have been using spiritual items as an expression of our religious beliefs,” the statement read, maintaining that such practices are in no way intended to deceive or mislead the public.
The church firmly denied the claims published, which insinuated that NAFDAC was cautioning the public against the ministry’s activities.
The statement clarified, “At no point has our church deceived the public. We have not produced or sold consumable items to the public, let alone used NAFDAC’s name to do so.”
The statement further addressed the only formal complaint against the ministry, which originates from Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman.
According to the ministry, Otse has made various allegations against the church, which they are contesting in court.
Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry acknowledged that it had received a letter from NAFDAC on August 27, 2024, inviting Prophet Fufeyin to respond to inquiries regarding the ministry’s use of spiritual healing and miracle items.
However, the church noted that it was given less than 12 hours to provide a response. The ministry indicated that it had communicated its position to NAFDAC through official channels.
Adding to the controversy, the church accused Otse of forging receipts as part of his complaint. These receipts, the church stated, differ from the authentic ones issued by its accounting office, with notable discrepancies in the dates and details provided.
“We have written to NAFDAC and informed them that the receipts submitted by the complainant are under police investigation. Despite this, NAFDAC has not responded to our letters or provided any feedback on the matter,” the church’s statement concluded.
The ministry’s ongoing legal and investigative efforts reflect its determination to clear its name amid these accusations, while it continues to assert that it remains transparent and in compliance with national regulations.
