The Lagos State Police Command announced that it has officially discontinued its investigation into Pastor Paul Adefarasin, ending a three-month probe that began after a controversial viral video sparked public outcry in June.
The case centered on footage that circulated widely across social media platforms, showing the prominent cleric appearing to brandish what many initially believed to be a weapon at a content creator who was filming his vehicle near the busy Lekki-Ikoyi roundabout—one of Lagos’s most recognizable intersections connecting the affluent Lekki and Ikoyi districts.
Speaking on behalf of the command, Police Spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi revealed that extensive investigations, including formal interrogation sessions and the taking of a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, had determined the nature of the object in question.
“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,” Adebisi stated in the official release.
The distinction proved crucial to the case’s outcome. Under Nigerian law, the classification of weapons and the circumstances surrounding their display carry different legal implications, particularly regarding public safety and potential charges.
The incident originally drew significant attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what appeared to be threatening behavior by a religious leader. Pastor Adefarasin, who leads House on the Rock Church—one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal congregations—found himself at the center of public debate about accountability and appropriate conduct.
The police investigation process included multiple rounds of questioning and evidence gathering, reflecting the serious attention authorities gave to the matter. However, after reviewing all available evidence and testimony, investigators concluded there were insufficient grounds to pursue criminal charges.
“Following police investigation, it was determined that there were no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter, so the case was discontinued,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
In concluding her statement, Adebisi emphasized the command’s broader commitment to justice and public safety. “The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety while maintaining transparency in all investigations,” she said.
The case’s conclusion marks the end of a high-profile investigation that highlighted ongoing tensions around social media documentation of public figures and questions of personal security in Nigeria’s commercial capital. It also underscores the police command’s approach to thoroughly investigating incidents that gain public attention, regardless of the individuals involved.
Pastor Adefarasin has not yet issued a public statement regarding the conclusion of the police investigation. The case’s resolution comes as Lagos continues to grapple with various security challenges and the intersection of traditional authority figures with modern digital accountability.
The discontinuation of charges does not necessarily reflect on the appropriateness of the pastor’s actions but rather indicates that investigators found no criminal behavior warranting prosecution under current laws.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Lagos Police have officially dropped all charges against Pastor Paul Adefarasin following a three-month investigation into a viral June incident where he was filmed brandishing what appeared to be a weapon at a content creator.
The investigation concluded that the object was a stun gun, not a lethal weapon, and found insufficient grounds for prosecution. The case highlights how viral social media incidents can trigger serious police investigations, but legal outcomes depend on specific evidence and applicable laws rather than public perception.
