A pastor based in Anambra State, Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, has been arrested over allegations that he lured dozens of married women away from their husbands and claimed them as his wives.
The arrest follows a wave of accusations circulating on social media, where alleged victims and their relatives accused the cleric of manipulating members of his congregation and engaging in controversial practices, including encouraging wife-swapping among church members and taking married women into his own household.
The case emerged amid an ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government on suspected fake pastors and religious fraudsters. Last week, eight self-acclaimed pastors were arraigned as part of the state’s efforts to regulate religious activities and protect residents from exploitation.
Confirming the arrest, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s media aide, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, said operatives of Agunechemba apprehended the pastor after a viral video detailed multiple allegations against him.
According to Opara, the suspect has been handed over to the police, while a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the State Police Command is underway.
“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested following serious allegations contained in a viral video. He is currently under investigation by the police in collaboration with the Anambra State Government,” Opara said.
One of the most startling discoveries made during the arrest, according to authorities, was the presence of eleven babies in the pastor’s residence.
During questioning, Charles reportedly claimed that he was the biological father of all eleven children and that each child was born by a different wife.
He further stated that he could not accurately say how many wives or children he had.
Authorities have yet to verify those claims.
As investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, has appealed to members of the public with relevant information or experiences involving the pastor to come forward and assist investigators.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, particularly as more individuals continue to share accounts of alleged exploitation by self-styled religious leaders across the state.
Police say further details will be released as investigations progress.
