The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has been granted bail after voluntarily submitting himself to the Lagos State Police Command over a viral video that appeared to show him holding a weapon-like object.
According to a statement issued by the police on Tuesday, the cleric was interrogated and made a cautionary statement. Authorities confirmed that the object in question was not a firearm, but a stun gun—a device categorized as prohibited anti-riot equipment.
“The pastor has been granted bail while investigations continue into the case,” the police said.
The Viral Video and Public Reaction
The controversy erupted earlier this month after a video surfaced online showing Pastor Adefarasin inside a Range Rover, seemingly interacting with a road user while holding an unidentified black object. The footage quickly sparked speculation, with many alleging the cleric was brandishing a firearm.
In response, Pastor Adefarasin addressed the incident on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating:
“You might be aware of a video which has been circulating on social media showing me in what some have misunderstood as brandishing a firearm. I want to assure you of this — that was certainly not a firearm, and at no point did I point such at anyone.”
During his Sunday service, streamed live online, the 62-year-old pastor again denied the firearm allegations, calling the claims both “hurtful” and “malicious.”
“I was falsely accused of bearing a firearm, pointing a firearm at an aggressive content creator who came within personal distance,” he said.
“I do not have a pistol licence. I do not carry a firearm, and I pointed no firearm at anybody.”
“Clickbaiters Looking for Money”
Pastor Adefarasin suggested the controversy was driven by financial incentives and media sensationalism.
“Clickbaiters just looking for more money,” he said, describing how the incident left him “shocked” and “hurt.”
“I am human, but I take comfort in my faith,” he added.
The Lagos police said investigations are still ongoing.
