By Daily Review Online
Operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have arrested Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, over allegations that he persuaded dozens of married women to abandon their husbands and become his wives.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral videos and testimonies on social media in which alleged victims and their relatives accused the cleric of manipulating women within his congregation and engaging in controversial marital practices.
According to the allegations, the pastor allegedly convinced as many as 75 married women to leave their spouses and join him in what has been described as a self-styled marital arrangement. Some accusers also claimed that he encouraged the swapping of spouses among members of his church.
The development comes amid the ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries. The campaign recently led to the arraignment of eight suspected fake pastors in the state.
Confirming the arrest, a media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, disclosed in a Facebook post that the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Opara said a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Police Command and the state government had commenced, urging anyone with relevant information or evidence to come forward.
“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,” Opara stated.
He further revealed that security operatives reportedly found 11 babies in the pastor’s residence during the operation. According to Opara, the cleric claimed to be the father of all the children, whom he said were born by 11 of his wives.
The pastor also allegedly told investigators that he could not accurately state the total number of wives he had married or the number of children he had fathered.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, has called on members of the public with additional information to assist law enforcement agencies.
No formal charges have yet been announced, and the allegations remain under investigation by the police.