Why Pastor Adefarasin’s stun gun is illegal – police
Pastor Adefarasin granted bail amid stun gun saga.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock has found himself at the centre of a legal and public debate after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a stun gun during an altercation with a motorist.
While the pastor later clarified that the object was not a firearm but a non-lethal device meant for self-defence, the Lagos State Police Command has maintained that stun guns, despite being non-lethal, are still considered illegal under Nigerian law.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, stun guns fall under the category of prohibited weapons, and their use or display in public is against the law.
The commissioner explained that under Nigerian regulations, any item that can be used to intimidate, harm, or create fear is regarded as an offensive weapon, even if it does not have the capacity to kill.
This means that simply pointing or brandishing a stun gun in public, regardless of one’s intent, could result in legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
READ ALSO
What is a stun gun? A look at its uses, legality in Nigeria, others
Stun gun saga: Pastor Adefarasin granted bail… here’s all to know
Pastor Adefarasin has since responded to the controversy, describing the incident as a misunderstanding amplified by social media users looking to attract attention. He explained that the device he carried was strictly for protection and that he never intended to threaten anyone.
However, the police maintain that the law does not consider intent in such matters; rather, the public display of a device classified as an offensive weapon is enough to trigger criminal charges.
This incident has sparked wider conversations about self-defence in Nigeria and the thin line between personal protection and the unlawful use of prohibited items.
While many argue that citizens should be allowed to protect themselves in the face of rising insecurity, legal experts warn that without proper amendments to existing laws, even non-lethal weapons like stun guns remain illegal for civilian use.