Investigation Ongoing Despite Bail, Police Say Victim Will Be Questioned
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has stated that the use of a stun gun to create fear or send a threat to another individual constitutes an offence under Nigerian law.
He made the disclosure during a television appearance on Thursday, where he addressed the ongoing investigation involving the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin. The cleric had turned himself in to police on Tuesday after a viral video showed him brandishing a black, gun-like object during a roadside encounter. He was granted bail on Wednesday after police questioning.
Speaking on the legal implications, CP Jimoh clarified, “Even under the Firearms Act, if you fashion out anything that is not metal, like wood, and you make it look like a gun and use that guise to take possession of property, it becomes armed robbery. So, pointing a stun gun at another individual and sending that threat or fear at that particular time constitutes an offence.”
He emphasized that while the object recovered from Adefarasin was not a lethal weapon, it was a prohibited anti-riot device under Nigerian law, and its possession and use remain under investigation.
According to the commissioner, police had initially prepared a warrant of arrest before Pastor Adefarasin voluntarily responded to an invitation. “He turned himself in and was questioned by a team of investigators already working on the case,” Jimoh said.
The police are now working to obtain a statement from the individual at whom the object was pointed. “The other person involved, reportedly a content creator, will be invited to give a statement. We’ve obtained his address and will bring him in,” he added.
The viral video that sparked public concern showed Pastor Adefarasin in a black Range Rover SUV, interacting with a road user while holding a black device that many speculated was a firearm.
In response, the pastor posted on his verified X handle, dismissing the claims:
“That was certainly not a firearm, and at no point did I point such at anyone,” he stated.
During a live Sunday service, streamed on YouTube, the 62-year-old cleric described the incident as “hurtful” and “malicious,” maintaining his innocence and explaining the object was never aimed at the individual. He alleged that content creators had sensationalized the event for financial gain, saying, “We have witnessed clickbaiters just looking for more money.”
Despite being granted bail, police say the investigation remains active, and the public will be informed of its outcome.
Pastor Adefarasin’s case has drawn national attention, with many calling for clarity on the legal status of stun guns and their possession in Nigeria.
