The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of the founder of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, Pastor Harrison Charles, over allegations of coveting other men’s wives and getting married to them.
The pastor was arrested following the circulation of viral videos on social media in which victims accused him of manipulating married women, encouraging wife-swapping among members of his church and taking some women as his wives.
There has been a crackdown by the Anambra State government on suspected fake pastors and religious operators.
The campaign has led to the arraignment of several clerics before the courts.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, who confirmed the pastor’s arrest, said operatives of Agunechemba picked up the cleric following public outcry over allegations against him.
According to Opara, the suspect has been handed over to the police, while a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Police Command and the state government is underway.
“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 said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
Opara further disclosed that investigators discovered about 11 babies in the pastor’s residence during the arrest operation.
“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he said.
The media aide added that the pastor reportedly told investigators that he could not ascertain the exact number of wives he had married or the total number of his children.
While the allegations circulating on social media claim that as many as 75 married women may have been involved, authorities have yet to verify the figure.
The state government has urged members of the public with relevant information or evidence concerning the pastor’s activities to come forward to assist ongoing investigations.
Opara said the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, had appealed to anyone with additional information to report to the state government as investigators work to establish the full scope of the allegations.
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