The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Owohunwa Jimoh, has stated that using a stun gun to threaten or instill fear in another person constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

 

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, June 18, Jimoh addressed the ongoing investigation involving Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, who was recently questioned by police over a gun-like device seen in a viral video.

 

According to the Commissioner, while the object recovered from Pastor Adefarasin was confirmed to be a stun gun, not a lethal firearm, it is still classified as a prohibited riot control device.

 

“Nothing is an offence unless the law says it is. The Firearms Act even covers imitation weapons. If you shape wood or plastic to look like a gun and use it to intimidate or dispossess someone, that can be considered armed robbery,” Jimoh explained.

 

He stressed that pointing a stun gun at someone with the intent to threaten them is an actionable offence. “Sending that kind of fear into a person constitutes a crime,” he added.

 

Jimoh revealed that Pastor Adefarasin was formally invited for questioning. “We had already prepared a warrant of arrest in case he didn’t respond, but he honoured the invitation voluntarily. A team of investigators questioned him, and the case is still under investigation,” he said.

 

The Commissioner reiterated that, while the stun gun was not lethal, it falls under restricted items prohibited by law for riot control purposes, and its use and possession are being reviewed thoroughly.