Church Denies Misusing NAFDAC’s Name, Accuses Complainant of Forgery
A Delta State-based church, Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries, has responded to allegations made by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding its "miracle" products. The church, led by Pastor Jeremiah Omoto, has denied using NAFDAC’s name to deceive the public, claiming that its spiritual products are part of religious beliefs.
According to the church, it has been operating lawfully, guided by the Nigerian constitution, and has never used NAFDAC’s name to deceive innocent members of the public. The church stated that the only petition filed against it was by Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman, who accused the church of deceiving people with "miracle water and soap." The church has since sued Otse in the FCT high court on sundry allegations and matters.
The church also claimed that the supposed nominal complainant to NAFDAC’s Asaba office forged the church’s receipts to bring a complaint before the agency. Additionally, the church stated that there is an ongoing police investigation into certain receipts that have indicted the nominal complainants to NAFDAC’s office, which are presumed to have been forged and used falsely in procuring the investigated spiritual items.
NAFDAC, on the other hand, announced on Sunday that it is investigating the church for its "miracle" products, which it claims are not registered with the agency. The agency has sealed the factory of Globod Table Water, a contractor to the church, for aiding and abetting the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome products.
In a statement, NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, advised the public to stop patronizing the products while the agency continues its investigation. The agency claims that none of the products advertised and sold is registered with the agency as claimed by Pastor Omoto.
The controversy has sparked concerns about the authenticity of the church’s products and the agency’s investigation methods. As the investigation continues, the public is left to wonder about the truth behind the allegations and the church’s claims of innocence.
