The Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has firmly denied allegations that his church has been defrauding Nigerians by misusing the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement issued by the church’s media arm and signed by spokesperson Sophia Iloyd, the church described the allegations as "false and misleading." The statement emphasized that the church is a law-abiding institution that respects all national regulations, including those set by NAFDAC.
"Our spiritual items are an expression of our religious beliefs," the statement read. "As a church, we are guided by our faith and the teachings of the Bible. We have not produced or sold consumable items to the public, let alone used NAFDAC’s name to do so."
The controversy began when NAFDAC alerted the public about the activities of Fufeyin’s church, claiming it had been using the agency’s name to deceive people. However, the church countered these claims, stating that they operate under the protections of Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and expression.
The church further clarified that the only complaint pending against them is a petition by one Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman, who has been taken to court over various allegations. According to the church, Otse forged receipts to support his claims against the ministry.
"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 statement concluded.
The church acknowledged receiving a letter from NAFDAC dated August 27, 2024, inviting the church’s spiritual head for an inquiry into its use of miracle and healing items. However, they claimed they were given less than 12 hours to respond and had already communicated their position to NAFDAC via official correspondence.
This ongoing dispute highlights the tension between religious practices and regulatory oversight in Nigeria, raising questions about the balance between freedom of religion and consumer protection.
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