Lagos, Nigeria – June 23, 2025– Popular Nigerian cleric, Prophet Jeremiah, is once again at the center of public controversy following reports that he is selling what he calls the “Sand of Jerusalem” to his congregation and followers for as much as ₦500,000 per portion.
According to the self-acclaimed prophet, the sand carries divine power and can be used by buyers to build a house—or even an entire city—if they have enough faith. The claim has sparked outrage across social and religious communities, with many Nigerians calling for his arrest and the government’s intervention.
In a viral video making rounds on social media, Prophet Jeremiah is seen displaying small bottles and bags of the sand, allegedly imported from Jerusalem. “This is not just sand; it is sacred ground. You can use it to build your home, your destiny, even a whole city if you believe,” he reportedly told his congregation during a live service broadcast online.
A few members of his church interviewed anonymously claimed they had already purchased the sand, hoping for a divine breakthrough. One woman said, “I bought it for ₦500,000 because Papa (Prophet Jeremiah) said if I sow into the land of God, I will never lack.”
However, others were not convinced. Social commentator and activist, Chidi Eze, reacted angrily to the revelation. “This is criminal religious exploitation at its peak. Is it not time the Nigerian government arrests this man? Or is he being protected by his friends in government?”
Eze added, “Religious fraud has become a booming business in Nigeria, and this is the latest version. We are now buying sand for miracles while millions are hungry.”
Legal experts have also weighed in on the issue. Barrister Nkechi Ogbonna, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, told reporters that while freedom of religion is protected by the constitution, activities bordering on fraud must be investigated.
“If the claims are true and members of the public are being manipulated into paying huge sums under spiritual pretenses, then this becomes a matter of public interest. The authorities must investigate,” she said.
On social media, Nigerians expressed mixed feelings. While some defended the prophet, citing personal testimonies and spiritual belief, others labelled him a scam artist exploiting people’s desperation.
One post read: “How long will we allow religious leaders to sell heaven in a bag while the country burns? This is not faith—it’s fraud.”
As of press time, neither Prophet Jeremiah nor his church has issued an official statement in response to the growing criticism. Calls and emails to his media team went unanswered.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of controversial practices by certain Nigerian pastors who market religious items such as anointed water, oil, and now, imported sand, at exorbitant prices—all in the name of divine intervention.
Critics argue that such trends reflect a deeper societal problem where desperation, poverty, and lack of proper religious education make people vulnerable to exploitation.
Many now await a decisive stance from religious regulatory bodies and the Nigerian government. Whether Prophet Jeremiah will face any legal consequences remains uncertain, but public pressure continues to mount.
