A church leader who carried an assault rifle during a Sunday sermon about “spiritual weapons” has been arrested, police say.
The police officer who owned the gun has also been detained, along with the church’s head of security.
Pastor Uche Aigbe earlier apologised “unreservedly”, according to his church.
He “realises that even with the best of intentions, carrying a gun to illustrate his message was ill-advised and regrettable,” the House on the Rock Church in Abuja said in a statement on Monday.
It also said: “We stand on the good news gospel of Jesus Christ which embraces peace and goodwill for all of mankind.”
The church added that it “rejects all forms of violence” and is “cooperating fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigations into this incident”.
Under Nigerian law, it’s only legal to carry a gun if the Inspector General of Police grants you a licence.