In a dramatic turn of events, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the respected founder of House on the Rock Church, made headlines nationwide after a viral video showed him allegedly pointing what appeared to be a firearm at a pedestrian during a traffic incident in Lagos, Nigeria.
The video, which surfaced online on June 17, 2025, quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of concern, criticism, and debate among Nigerians on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
The clip captured a tense moment in traffic where Pastor Adefarasin, sitting in a black SUV, appeared to lean out of the vehicle’s window and point an object—allegedly a firearm—at a man, believed to be a car spotter. The context of the encounter is still unclear, but the footage raised serious questions about public safety, responsible conduct, and the role of spiritual leaders in society.
The following day, June 18, 2025, Pastor Adefarasin voluntarily turned himself in to the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja. According to police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the pastor was interrogated for several hours as part of a formal investigation.
The police sought to determine two major points:
1. Whether the object in the video was a real firearm.
2. Whether the vehicle involved was properly registered and licensed.
“No one is above the law,” Hundeyin emphasized in a press briefing.
Pastor Adefarasin Responds to Allegations
During his next church service, Pastor Adefarasin addressed the controversy, claiming the object in question was not a firearm and alleging that the video was edited with malicious intent. He said the act was engineered by “those controlled by the spirit of Mammon” aiming to gain traffic and discredit his reputation.
Despite his denial, the police are continuing their investigation and have promised transparency in the process.
Nigerians are divided on the issue. While some argue that the pastor’s actions were inexcusable, others believe he may have been reacting out of fear or caution, especially considering the rise in road robberies and traffic-related crimes in Lagos.
Radio personality RadioGad sparked debate online with a now-viral post stating:
“He needs to be arrested… weapon or not, the action was wrong.”
What Are the Legal Implications?
If the object is confirmed to be a real firearm and unlicensed, Pastor Adefarasin may face charges related to illegal possession of a firearm, public endangerment, or threatening behavior. Even if the item turns out to be fake, he could still face legal action for public intimidation or use of a weapon replica in a threatening manner.
The Lagos Police also confirmed they are reviewing the car's registration details, as unregistered vehicles pose additional legal concerns.
