Renowned Lagos Pastor Paul Adefarasin Faces Police Probe Over Viral Gun Incident and Unregistered Vehicle [VIDEO]

 

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that prominent cleric and founder of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, voluntarily appeared for questioning after a video showing him wielding what appeared to be a firearm went viral online.

The incident, which sparked a heated debate on social media platforms, showed a man believed to be Adefarasin confronting another individual who was filming him. During the exchange, the pastor was seen holding a gun-like object while seated in what appeared to be an unregistered vehicle. The footage quickly circulated online, prompting public outcry and calls for legal scrutiny.

Responding to the situation, Lagos State Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed to reporters that the cleric had honored an invitation from the police. “Pastor Paul Adefarasin presented himself today, June 17, at our headquarters. He is currently being interrogated by detectives. The command is taking this matter seriously and will ensure a thorough investigation,” Hundeyin stated.

Although the visuals suggest that the object in his possession was a firearm, Adefarasin has firmly denied owning or handling any real weapon. Through a brief statement issued by his media team earlier in the day, he described the object seen in the video as a "non-lethal replica used for dramatization." He went further to assert that the item was never intended for use and was not meant to threaten or harm anyone.

Eyewitnesses familiar with the video’s background claim the confrontation occurred near the pastor’s private residence on the Lagos Island axis. According to them, the incident seemed to stem from an argument over surveillance or unauthorized filming. Adefarasin, who was reportedly behind the wheel of an SUV lacking a registered license plate, engaged in a verbal altercation with a man who appeared to be documenting the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the vehicle's registration status are also part of the ongoing investigation. Legal experts suggest that operating an unregistered vehicle on public roads is a violation of traffic regulations and could compound any legal fallout from the gun-related allegations.

Speculation has arisen as to whether the item was a toy gun, a non-lethal prop, or an actual firearm. As of now, authorities have not officially confirmed the nature of the object. Forensic analysis and further questioning are expected to shed light on this key detail. The Lagos Police Command has assured the public that their findings will be made public once the inquiry concludes.

Legal analysts are closely watching the case, particularly in light of Nigeria’s stringent gun laws. Possession or brandishing of a firearm without a license can result in serious penalties under the Firearms Act, especially when public safety is perceived to be at risk.

Despite the controversy, Adefarasin remains a highly respected figure within Nigeria’s religious community. Known for his charismatic leadership and philanthropic work, he has built a reputation for preaching messages of hope, personal transformation, and societal reform. His annual gospel concert, The Experience, draws thousands from across the country and abroad.

Nonetheless, the pastor’s defenders and critics are locked in fierce debate online. Supporters argue that the video has been taken out of context and that the entire episode has been exaggerated for clicks and controversy. Detractors, on the other hand, question the ethics of any religious leader threatening a member of the public—even symbolically—with what appears to be a weapon.

Law enforcement authorities have urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until the investigation is complete. “This case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves,” CSP Hundeyin emphasized. “We are committed to transparency and accountability, regardless of the profile of those involved.”

The Nigerian public awaits the final report from the police with growing anticipation. As the facts continue to unfold, questions surrounding accountability, influence, and the responsibilities of public figures remain at the forefront of national discourse.

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