Pastor Paul Adefarasin Breaks Silence on Viral Video: “That Was Certainly Not a Firearm”

Lagos, Nigeria – June 7, 2025 – Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, has finally addressed a viral video that sparked widespread controversy across Nigeria and beyond. The video, which circulated heavily on social media platforms, appeared to show the prominent cleric pointing what many speculated to be a firearm at a content creator filming his car. The incident ignited heated debates online, with opinions divided between those questioning the pastor’s actions and others seeking clarity on the context. In a statement released today, Adefarasin categorically denied that the object in question was a firearm, aiming to put an end to the speculation and public concern.

The video, which first surfaced earlier this week, captured a tense moment in what appeared to be a public setting. In the footage, a man identified as Pastor Adefarasin is seen holding an object that many viewers interpreted as a gun, directed toward an individual filming his vehicle. The clip quickly gained traction, particularly on platforms like X, where users debated the implications of a religious leader appearing to wield a weapon. Nigeria’s strict firearms regulations, which limit gun ownership and public carry, fueled further scrutiny, with some netizens calling for an investigation into the incident.

Breaking his silence, Pastor Adefarasin addressed the controversy in a statement shared through his official channels. “I am aware of the video circulating online and the concerns it has raised,” he said. “Let me be clear: that was certainly not a firearm. I did not point any weapon at anyone, and the narrative suggesting otherwise is a misrepresentation of the facts.” While the pastor did not specify the nature of the object in the video, his statement emphasized that the situation was misconstrued and urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of public figures, particularly religious leaders, in maintaining transparency and accountability. Supporters of Pastor Adefarasin argue that the video lacks context and that the object could have been something innocuous, such as a phone or another personal item. “People are quick to judge without understanding the full story,” said one X user, echoing sentiments shared by members of House on the Rock. Others, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the visual evidence and Nigeria’s stringent gun laws, which require permits for firearms and prohibit public brandishing.

The controversy also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public perception. The rapid spread of the video, coupled with unverified assumptions, highlights the challenges of navigating truth in the digital age. Some commentators have called for law enforcement to investigate the matter to provide clarity, while others argue that the pastor’s statement should suffice unless further evidence emerges.

Pastor Adefarasin, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s Christian community, has long been regarded as a respected voice in both religious and social spheres. His church, House on the Rock, commands a significant following, with branches across Nigeria and a reputation for community outreach. The pastor’s response to the incident reflects his intent to protect his reputation and that of his ministry, but public reactions remain mixed. While some accept his explanation, others continue to demand more transparency regarding the object and the circumstances of the encounter.

As of now, no official statement has been released by law enforcement regarding the incident, and it remains unclear whether any formal investigation will take place. The content creator involved in the video has not publicly commented, leaving gaps in the narrative that continue to fuel speculation.

The controversy serves as a reminder of the power of viral content to shape narratives and the importance of context in understanding such incidents. For now, Pastor Adefarasin’s statement stands as his official response, but the conversation on platforms like X shows no signs of slowing down. As Nigerians await further developments, the incident underscores the delicate balance between public perception, personal accountability, and the influence of social media in modern discourse.