A pastor in Anambra State, identified as Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, has been arrested by operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit over allegations that he allegedly took 75 married women from their husbands and presented them as his wives.
The arrest has triggered widespread reactions on social media, where videos and testimonies allegedly from victims and their relatives have circulated, accusing the cleric of manipulating congregants and engaging in disturbing marital practices within his church.
Some of the allegations claim that the pastor allegedly “swapped wives” between congregants or took other men’s wives for himself, claims that have fueled public outrage and intensified scrutiny of his ministry.
In a statement posted on Facebook, media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed the arrest and said the pastor was already in custody and facing investigation.
“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him.
“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State government,” Opara stated.
According to him, during the arrest, security operatives reportedly discovered about 11 babies in the pastor’s residence.
“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claimed to be the father of these eleven babies and that they are from eleven of his wives.
“He also claimed that he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has,” he added.
Opara further disclosed that a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Police Command and the state government has commenced into the allegations.
He called on members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
“While investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information to report it to the State government,” he said.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown by the Anambra State Government on suspected fake pastors and unregulated religious activities, which recently led to the arraignment of eight individuals accused of similar offences.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and determine the full extent of the allegations against the pastor.
