He gave a sermon about defending one's faith. (Credit: House on the Rock Church).

A pastor in Nigerian city of Abuja appeared in a church with a gun to preach before a congregation on Sunday.

The whom the BBC identify as Pastor Uche Aigbe wielded the AK-47 assault riffle at the podium and gave a sermon about self-defense.

“Some people are looking for my trouble. And I came here prepared,” joked Pastor Aigbe.

BBC understands that under Nigerian law, it’s only legal to carry a gun if the Inspector General of Police grants you a license.

“It’s not known whether the gun the pastor carried in the House on the Rock Church in Abuja belonged to him, or if the gun was loaded,” reports the British broadcaster.

The church has not responded to requests to comment.

“Today, there are some pastors with gift of divination who go about ripping people. This is why we should carry our ‘guns’ and defend ourselves. I will particularly be coming very soon for some of you sleeping in the church,” he told the laughing congregation on Sunday.