Shockwaves in the Pulpit: Pastor Paul Adefarasin Reportedly in Police Custody Over Viral Gun Video

The Christian community across Nigeria and beyond has been thrown into confusion following reports that popular televangelist and Senior Pastor of House On The Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, is currently in police custody. The dramatic turn of events follows a viral video from last month in which the revered clergyman was allegedly seen brandishing what appeared to be a firearm at a TikToker who was recording his luxurious car on a public street.

The incident, which initially sparked social media uproar and divided opinions across various platforms, has now reportedly drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities, culminating in Pastor Adefarasin's detainment for questioning and investigation. According to sources familiar with the case, the Lagos State Police Command invited the preacher to clarify the circumstances surrounding the controversial video, and he was taken into custody late Monday evening.

The viral clip, which circulated heavily on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, showed a brief but tense encounter. A young content creator was seen trailing a sleek, black luxury SUV—believed to be part of Pastor Adefarasin’s convoy—outside a high-end location in Lagos. The TikToker, known online as @ChukaLaughs, appeared to be filming the vehicle with light-hearted commentary about “pastors with billionaire taste” when a man strongly resembling Adefarasin was spotted lowering the tinted window and seemingly flashing a metallic object that many viewers identified as a pistol.

The video cut off shortly after, but not before the facial features and signature glasses of the man in the vehicle had drawn comparisons to Adefarasin, triggering an avalanche of speculation. Some insisted the weapon might have been a prop or another object entirely, while others argued that the pastor’s actions, if indeed authentic, crossed legal and ethical boundaries. The resulting outrage, particularly from rights activists and religious critics, prompted calls for a full investigation into the matter.

In a nation already strained by issues of insecurity, misuse of firearms, and the impunity of the elite, the possibility of a prominent religious figure displaying a weapon in a public setting raised serious concerns. “No one is above the law,” said Barrister Musa Fagbohun, a Lagos-based legal analyst. “If a private citizen pulled out a gun during an interaction with someone recording a public vehicle, he or she would face immediate legal scrutiny. Clergy must be held to the same standards.”

While Pastor Adefarasin has maintained a notable silence since the video emerged, sources close to the House On The Rock Church claim the entire situation has been “blown out of proportion.” A senior church administrator, speaking under anonymity, hinted that the object shown might not have been a gun and criticized social media users for jumping to conclusions. “We know the internet loves drama,” the source stated. “But people are assuming things based on a few seconds of unclear footage.”

However, the Nigeria Police Force appears to be taking the issue more seriously. In a brief statement issued Tuesday morning, Lagos Police PRO SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that a “high-profile individual” was being questioned over a possible violation of firearm regulations and public safety protocols. He stopped short of naming Pastor Adefarasin but emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that no one is exempt from due process.

Social media has since erupted with mixed reactions. While some fans and congregants of Pastor Adefarasin have risen to his defense, citing his decades-long reputation for discipline, eloquence, and service to the Christian faith, others expressed disappointment. “What happened to turning the other cheek?” one user asked on X. “Even if someone was recording his car, a preacher shouldn’t respond like that.”

Others viewed the situation through a broader lens, examining how it reflects the increasing tension between public figures and online content creators. “We now live in a world where a stranger with a camera can put you on the internet without consent,” said media strategist Fola Onabule. “That can feel invasive, but flashing a weapon is never an acceptable response—especially not from a spiritual leader.”

This controversy also reopens the conversation about pastors and wealth in Nigeria. Adefarasin, known for his stylish appearance and impeccable English oratory, has never shied away from wealth, often preaching a gospel of abundance and excellence. Still, critics have frequently questioned the opulence displayed by many of Nigeria’s megachurch leaders, especially in a country battling high poverty levels.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Pastor Adefarasin’s media team for an official response proved unsuccessful. However, sources at the church revealed that emergency legal counsel has been activated, and a statement may be released within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, Pastor Adefarasin remains under police observation, with reports indicating he may be released on bail pending further investigation.

This marks a stark deviation from the polished and carefully curated public image the clergyman has maintained for over two decades. Often seen on international platforms and at interdenominational gatherings, Adefarasin has long been hailed as one of the more modern and media-savvy pastors in Africa. His annual gospel concert, The Experience, draws thousands, and his televised sermons have reached millions across the continent. It is therefore shocking for many to reconcile that same figure with the one depicted in the controversial video.

Legal experts say the pastor could face serious consequences if found to have illegally possessed or brandished a firearm, including fines, license revocation, or even jail time depending on the severity of charges and the court's interpretation of the act. While the law allows for licensed firearm possession under certain conditions in Nigeria, public intimidation or misuse can still constitute a criminal offense.

As Nigerians await more clarity on the situation, the matter continues to generate intense public interest and polarizing views. For now, the central question remains unanswered: what really happened in that car? Was it a moment of human error blown out of proportion, or a disturbing glimpse into how even spiritual leaders can be swept up by the darker impulses of power and fear?

Regardless of how the case unfolds, one thing is certain—Pastor Paul Adefarasin, once revered solely for his voice in the pulpit, is now at the center of a storm that may redefine how the public perceives both his message and his ministry.

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