Lagos Police Recover Stun Gun from Pastor Paul Adefarasin Amid Viral Video Controversy
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of a stun gun from Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, following a viral video that sparked widespread debate across Nigeria. The incident, which captured the pastor holding what appeared to be a firearm during a roadside altercation, prompted swift action from law enforcement and reignited discussions about the possession of prohibited items by civilians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the object in question was not a conventional firearm but a stun gun, classified as prohibited anti-riot equipment under Nigerian law. The police emphasized that the recovery followed Pastor Adefarasin’s voluntary surrender to the authorities for questioning.
Details of the Incident
The controversy began when a video surfaced on social media platforms, including X, showing Pastor Adefarasin in a heated exchange with unidentified individuals on a Lagos road. In the footage, the pastor was seen holding a gun-like object, which he appeared to brandish during the altercation. The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some criticized the pastor for possessing what they assumed was a firearm, others defended him, speculating that the object might be a non-lethal device or that the incident was misconstrued.
Following the public outcry, the Lagos State Police Command launched an investigation to ascertain the nature of the object and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Pastor Adefarasin, a prominent religious leader and influential figure in Nigeria, promptly turned himself in to assist with the investigation, a move that was commended by the police for demonstrating cooperation.
Police Findings and Legal Implications
During the interrogation, Pastor Adefarasin provided a cautionary statement, and the stun gun was recovered from his possession. SP Hundeyin noted that stun guns, while non-lethal, are categorized as prohibited anti-riot equipment under Nigeria’s Firearms Act and other relevant laws. The possession of such devices by civilians is restricted, and violations can attract legal consequences.
The police have granted Pastor Adefarasin administrative bail while investigations continue. Authorities have assured the public that the case will be handled with fairness and transparency, emphasizing that no one is above the law. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, has also called for calm, urging Nigerians to refrain from spreading unverified information that could escalate tensions.
Public Reactions
The incident has generated significant discourse on social media, with hashtags related to Pastor Adefarasin trending on X. Supporters of the pastor argue that the stun gun may have been intended for self-defense, given the rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria. Others, however, have questioned why a religious leader would possess such a device, calling for stricter enforcement of laws governing the use of prohibited equipment.
Prominent figures, including members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have urged the public to await the outcome of the police investigation before passing judgment. Meanwhile, critics have used the incident to highlight broader issues, such as the proliferation of restricted devices and the need for clearer regulations on their use.
Pastor Adefarasin’s Profile
Pastor Paul Adefarasin is one of Nigeria’s most influential religious leaders, known for founding House on the Rock Church in 1994. The church, headquartered in Lagos, has grown into a major Pentecostal denomination with branches across Nigeria and internationally. Adefarasin is also the convener of The Experience, an annual gospel music concert that attracts thousands of worshippers and features renowned artists from around the world.
Beyond his religious work, Adefarasin is a respected motivational speaker and author, often addressing issues of leadership, faith, and societal development. His involvement in this incident has surprised many, given his reputation as a peace advocate and community leader.
Next Steps
As the investigation progresses, the Lagos State Police Command has promised to provide updates to the public. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents involving prohibited equipment are handled in Nigeria. For now, Pastor Adefarasin remains on bail, and his legal team has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between security, law enforcement, and public perception in Nigeria, where debates about self-defense and the rule of law continue to dominate national conversations.
