Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church has turned himself in to the Lagos State Police Command following a viral video showing him holding what many believed to be a firearm.
In a post on X on Tuesday, June 17, the police confirmed the cleric’s voluntary appearance.
“No one is above the law. Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case. The outcome of the investigation will be made public,” the post read.
The footage, which began circulating earlier this month, captured Adefarasin driving a black Range Rover, lowering his window, and interacting with someone while holding a dark object that many online users speculated was a gun.
Addressing the claims, Adefarasin posted on X:
“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.”
He urged the public to remain calm. “We understand the concern that this accusation may have caused… Thank you for your patience and understanding,” he wrote, promising to provide further clarity during his Sunday sermon.
READ ALSO: Viral Video Misleading, I Didn’t Point Gun At Anyone — Adefarasin
The incident, according to witnesses, occurred when a passer-by recognised Adefarasin in traffic. In response, the pastor lowered his window and raised the object, sparking the gun allegations.
During the following Sunday service, streamed on YouTube, Adefarasin directly addressed the issue:
“I was falsely accused of bearing a firearm, pointing a firearm at an aggressive content creator who came within personal distance,” he said.
“The only thing separating him and me was maybe three-quarters of a metre and a glass. I do not have a pistol licence. I do not carry a firearm, and I pointed no firearm at anybody.”
He described the entire episode as malicious and financially motivated.
“We have witnessed clickbaiters just looking for more money. I probably wasn’t even their target; their target was to make more money,” he said.
The 62-year-old pastor said he was deeply affected by the incident. “I am human. But God is touched by our infirmities and can first give us succour. And what the enemy means for evil, He works for good.”