Police Drop Case, Clear Pastor Adefarasin Of Wrongdoing Over Viral Gun Video
The Lagos State Police Command has cleared the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, of any wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.
The police, in a statement by spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, on Wednesday, confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily appeared at its headquarters in Ikeja for questioning.
Investigations revealed that the object seen in the video was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon.
“After a thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object in question was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon or firearm.
“Consequent to our findings, the Lagos State Police Command has determined that there are no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter. The case is hereby discontinued,” the statement read.
The command added that it remains committed to transparency in its operations while upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.
This resolution contrasts with an earlier stance in June when the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had stated that pointing a stun gun at someone amounted to a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Speaking on Channels Television at the time, Jimoh described stun guns as prohibited riot-control equipment and warned that using them to instil fear could attract sanctions. He also said both Adefarasin and the individual allegedly threatened would be questioned.
The video, which circulated widely in June, showed the pastor inside a Range Rover holding the device during an exchange with another person.
Adefarasin consistently denied brandishing a firearm, insisting that the object was non-lethal.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
