THE Senior Prophet of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, through Mercyland Television, has refuted the allegations made by Punch News and Vanguard News, calling them false.
Punch online news reported over the weekend that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) discovered a scheme by Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries, led by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto, to deceive Nigerians with counterfeit miracle water and soap. The report also claimed that NAFDAC issued a warning about the organization using its name to mislead the public. The church is deeply troubled by this report.
According to Adeyeye, after receiving the petitions, NAFDAC contacted its Delta State Coordinator and the Director of Post Marketing Surveillance to verify any records of transactions involving Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries and its products in the Delta State Office. On August 14, 2024, a group visited the ministry to inquire about its spiritual products. The church requested a NAFDAC “Search Warrant and identification” but was not provided with these documents. Access was denied for security reasons and to prevent identity theft.
Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry wishes to clarify that the Punch and Vanguard news reports do not accurately represent the facts regarding its interactions with NAFDAC. The church asserts that it is a law-abiding Christian organization that complies with relevant laws, including the NAFDAC act. The church disputes NAFDAC’s claim that it is unwilling to cooperate with investigations into alleged counterfeit products. According to the church’s press release, its legal representatives and Global Table Water attended an invitation from NAFDAC on September 2, 2024, at their Asaba office. Statements were taken, and the church representatives cooperated fully with the Deputy Director in charge of Investigation & Enforcement Directorate/Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food. They were released and asked to return on September 10, 2024, for further investigation.
The church emphasizes that it operates under the constitutional rights guaranteed by Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which ensure freedom of religion without interference. It has adhered to its faith and biblical teachings, using specific spiritual items as part of its religious practices.
In response to Punch’s online story, the church clarified that the only current petition against it is from Mr. Martins Vincent Otse (alias Verydarkblackman), for which the church has filed a lawsuit in the FCT High Court Abuja. The church also received a letter from NAFDAC on August 27, 2024, inviting the church’s spiritual head to discuss its miracle, healing, and spiritual items at the Asaba office.
The church also noted that it officially communicated to NAFDAC Headquarters in Abuja, explaining the short notice given for the appearance. It also alleged that the complainant forged the church’s receipts to file the complaint. The church has yet to receive any feedback from NAFDAC on these issues.
Furthermore, the church is currently involved in a police investigation regarding forged receipts used by the complainant, which differ from the church’s official records.
The church urges the public to disregard the false and unfounded stories published by Punch and Vanguard News and notes that the NAFDAC investigation into the church’s activities is ongoing.