By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has stated that the use of a stun gun to threaten or instill fear in another person is a punishable offence under Nigerian law.
Jimoh made the clarification on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, while addressing the ongoing investigation involving Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church. Adefarasin was recently granted bail after voluntarily reporting to police over a viral video in which he was seen holding a gun-like object.
“Even under the Firearms Act, if someone fashions an object — metal or otherwise — to resemble a gun and uses it to threaten or dispossess another person, that act constitutes armed robbery,” Jimoh explained. “Pointing a stun gun at someone to induce fear is an offence.”
Jimoh confirmed that the recovered item was a stun gun, not a firearm, but emphasized that it is classified as prohibited riot equipment under Nigerian law. He said Adefarasin complied with an invitation from the police and was questioned by investigators. A warrant of arrest had been prepared in case he failed to appear.
The police are also seeking to obtain a statement from the individual allegedly targeted by the device, who has been identified as a content creator. According to the commissioner, investigators have obtained the individual’s address and will proceed to take a formal statement.
Jimoh noted that the matter remains under investigation and that findings will be made public upon conclusion.
Pastor Adefarasin, 62, was interrogated and voluntarily submitted a cautionary statement. The video, which sparked widespread online debate, showed him interacting with a road user while holding an object many believed resembled a firearm.
In response, the pastor denied the allegations both in a written statement and during his church service, stating, “That was certainly not a firearm, and at no point did I point such at anyone.” He described the backlash as “malicious” and “hurtful,” and criticized online content creators for using the footage for “clickbait.”
Reflecting on the incident, Adefarasin said he was “shocked” and “deeply hurt” but found solace in faith. “What the enemy means for evil, God can turn around for good,” he told his congregation.
