Divine Deception? Nigerian Pastor Under Heat for Alleged Fraudulent Miracle Products

Lagos, NIGERIA — In a scandal that has reverberated through Nigeria’s religious and regulatory circles, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, the influential leader of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, stands accused of marketing unregistered and potentially fraudulent miracle products while falsely claiming endorsement from Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The controversy centers around a series of products marketed by Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, including Miracle Water and Miracle Soap. These items, which the ministry claims can offer healing and even cure infertility, have come under the spotlight for their alleged lack of proper registration with NAFDAC. The agency’s regulations mandate that all food, drug, cosmetic, and medical devices must be registered before they can be sold or distributed in Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC’s statement, these products were marketed with grandiose claims, including the promise that the Miracle Soap could lead women to conceive twins. Such assertions not only mislead consumers but also pose significant risks, as the products have not undergone the rigorous scientific scrutiny required for NAFDAC registration.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has publicly condemned the misuse of the agency’s name by the faith-based organization. She noted that numerous petitions from concerned citizens had prompted NAFDAC to investigate the claims made by the ministry. These petitions included allegations that the products were sold under the guise of having NAFDAC approval.

The investigation took a decisive turn when NAFDAC’s Delta State Coordinator conducted a covert purchase of Miracle Water from the ministry. Despite the receipt and product evidence, ministry officials initially denied any association with the product. They later claimed that while their logo and address were on the labels, the products themselves were not produced by them.

In response, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team, along with the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs, visited the ministry’s facility on August 27, 2024. The visit was marked by a lack of cooperation from the ministry’s officials, who reportedly refused to provide access or further documentation.

Following continued resistance, NAFDAC sealed the Globod Table Water factory, which was reportedly involved in the production of the Miracle Water. This action was taken to prevent further distribution of the unregistered products and to facilitate the investigation.

Under Nigerian law, specifically the NAFDAC Act, those found in violation of the regulations can face severe penalties. The Act stipulates that individuals or entities involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of unregistered products can be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both. The seriousness of the allegations against Fufeyin and his ministry could result in significant legal consequences if the claims are substantiated.

The investigation into Fufeyin’s ministry began after NAFDAC received numerous petitions from concerned citizens. These complaints prompted the agency to scrutinize the products in question and the claims made by the ministry. As part of the investigation, NAFDAC’s Delta State Coordinator conducted a covert purchase of Miracle Water from the ministry, which led to further inquiries.

The public has been urged to avoid purchasing the Miracle Water and Miracle Soap, with NAFDAC emphasizing that these products have not been verified or approved. The agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through rigorous scientific evaluation and regulatory oversight.

Religious organizations and faith-based ministries in Nigeria have been cautioned against engaging in the illegal production and marketing of health-related products. NAFDAC’s actions underscore the broader issue of regulatory compliance within the country’s burgeoning market for health and wellness products.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on whether Prophet Fufeyin and Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries will cooperate with regulatory authorities and address the legal and health concerns raised. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for faith-based organizations in Nigeria and their role in the commercial sector.

NAFDAC has assured the Nigerian public that it will persist in its efforts to uphold regulatory standards and safeguard consumer health. The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regulatory compliance and the need for transparency in all commercial practices.