Fraud offering: God doesn’t share booty with crooks, CAN condemns Jeremiah Fufeyin

Fufeyin

The Christian Association of Nigeria has taken a swipe at the General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, over his claim that giving a “first fruit” offering can wipe away sins, including those committed by fraudsters.

CAN described the cleric’s claim as “heresy,” warning Nigerians against being misled by preachers of “dubious theological background.”

Fufeyin made the claim while delivering a sermon at his church.

According to him, the first fruit brings miraculous blessings and forgiveness.

First fruit is the Christian practice of offering the first and best portion of a person’s harvest, income, or earnings to God as an act of gratitude and faith.

Rooted in Old Testament teachings, the tradition is believed to honour God with the first yield of one’s labour.

Popularly called Papa J by his members, Fufeyin has been a subject of controversies, particularly on social media where many of his teachings and activities have sparked widespread criticism.

The Warri-based cleric has been criticised for promoting and selling his miracle products, including special soaps, oil, and perfumes, which he claimed could solve various personal, spiritual and health challenges.

His critics have accused him of exploiting vulnerable followers by commercialising faith.

In 2024, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, launched investigations into some of his spiritual products over claims that they were capable of healing infertility and other medical conditions.

In a video circulating on social media, the cleric insisted that first fruit offerings carry such spiritual weight that they could override even the gravest of sins.