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| Pastor Adefarasin arrives at police headquarters |
On June 17, 2025, Pastor Paul Adefarasin walked into the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja. He came with his lawyer to answer questions. A short video had gone viral online. In it, the senior pastor of House on the Rock Church appeared to hold a gun-like object while in traffic . His voluntary appearance at the police station marks a rare case of a top cleric submitting to public scrutiny.
This report examines the video, the responses from police and church, expert views, and public reaction. It offers balanced insight on the legal and moral issues raised.
Early June, a 10-second clip popped up on TikTok and Instagram. It showed a black Range Rover slowing in traffic. As a content creator filmed, the pastor wound down his tinted window. He raised what looked like a handgun toward the camera .
Within hours, the clip reached tens of thousands of views. Social media users shared it with shock and humor. Some debated if the object was real. Others argued the pastor had overstepped moral bounds.
By the weekend, mainstream sites like Vanguard and Daily Post had published stories. They noted that Adefarasin held an “object resembling a gun” while driving an unregistered vehicle .
On Tuesday afternoon, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos Police Command spokesperson, confirmed that Adefarasin had turned himself in. Hundeyin said detectives opened investigations after the video emerged .
“No one is above the law,” Hundeyin told reporters. “Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in and is being interrogated.”
Under Nigerian law, showing a firearm in public can violate the Weapons Act. The Act bans unlicensed carrying or display of guns. Even a replica can draw charges if it causes fear .
If charged, Adefarasin could face fines or a prison term. Police have not specified what counts they may prefer.
Ahead of his visit to the police, Adefarasin posted a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He thanked his congregation for support. He called the video a “misunderstanding.” He insisted the object was not a firearm and he did not point it at anyone .
“Trusting you are winning,” he wrote. “That was certainly not a firearm.”
Church leaders later issued a prayer request for calm. They urged media to wait for full facts.
Who Is Paul Adefarasin?
Paul Adeolu Adefarasin is 62 years old. He leads House on the Rock Church. The church has branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Johannesburg, and London .
He studied architecture at the University of Miami. He began youth ministry in Florida. He returned to Nigeria in 1990. In 1994, he co-founded House on the Rock Church in Lagos .
Adefarasin is known for “The Experience,” a yearly gospel concert that draws huge crowds. He speaks on TV and radio. He has written over 20 mini-books.
Legal Analysts
Olawale Adeoye, Human Rights Lawyer: “The key issue is whether that object is a firearm or not. If it’s real, then display alone can breach the law. If replica, it can still spark fear and lead to charges.”
Uzoamaka Obi, Criminologist: “Social media footage is often unclear. Police must verify the object’s identity. They should seek expert opinion before filing charges.”
These experts agree the police probe must follow due process. They urge caution against public trial by media.
Chinelo Eze, Media Analyst:
“Viral clips can mislead. Viewers often skip context. Media houses should blur unclear images.”
Ibrahim Musa, Digital Ethics Scholar:
“Mass sharing without fact checks fuels rumors. Journalists must verify before going live.”
Their views highlight the need for balance between public interest and fair reporting.
On social media, many church members posted support.
> “Pastor is a man of peace. This video is taken out of context,” wrote @rockfan01.
Others urged patience.
> “Wait for the police report. Let truth shine,” said @gracefulvoice.
A smaller group questioned the pastor’s conduct.
> “A man of God should not show any weapon,” commented @seektruth.
This range shows a mix of loyalty, doubt, and calls for integrity.
In wider Lagos, taxi drivers and traders gave varied views.
Driver A: “I saw the video. It feels wrong to show a gun in traffic.”
Trader B: “Maybe he used a phone. The clip is small and shaky.”
Online polls on major news sites saw 60% say he should be probed. Forty percent said he was innocent until proven guilty.
Discussion threads on WhatsApp and Facebook noted concerns over church leaders’ public image. They debated the wider issue of accountability for public figures.
After his statement, Adefarasin spent five hours at Ikeja HQ. He answered detectives’ questions. Police collected the video, witness statements, and expert analysis on the object’s make.
They will determine if formal charges follow. Investigators may call the TikToker who filmed the clip. They may also inspect the pastor’s vehicle for weapon registration.
Should charges be filed, a court date will be set. Until then, Adefarasin is free to continue church duties. However, he may face travel restrictions if a bail condition applies.
This case raises questions on how religious leaders appear in public.
Faith groups may issue new guidelines. They could advise pastors on media presence and legal limits. This could prevent future controversies.
Readers are invited to share views. Please keep comments respectful and fact-based. How should public figures handle viral clips? What balance should media strike between speed and accuracy?
Pastor Paul Adefarasin’s decision to turn himself in is notable. It shows his willingness to face questions. Police now hold the ball. They must follow the law without bias.
The church, media, and public await the outcome. This event may shape how leaders and journalists act in the age of viral video.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he is currently being interrogated by detectives following the circulation of a viral video showing him holding a gun-like object.#qedng #qedngnews pic.twitter.com/F0iudNYAs2
— QEDNG (@qedng) June 17, 2025