The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of the founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, Pastor Harrison Charles, over allegations that he took dozens of married women from their husbands and made them his wives.
The cleric was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following the circulation of viral videos containing allegations by alleged victims and their relatives.
The state government said the pastor is currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed the arrest in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
According to him, Pastor Charles allegedly took married women from their husbands and, in some instances, encouraged wife-swapping among members of his congregation.
The allegations surfaced amid the state government’s ongoing crackdown on fake pastors and religious leaders accused of exploiting members of the public.
Opara said the cleric was handed over to the police for further investigation after his arrest.
“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.
The government official further disclosed that security operatives found 11 babies in the pastor’s residence during the arrest operation.
According to him, the cleric claimed to be the father of the children, whom he said were born by 11 of his wives.
“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has,” Opara added.
The allegations against the pastor gained widespread attention after videos surfaced online showing individuals accusing him of taking over the wives of church members and engaging in other controversial practices.
The state government urged members of the public with relevant information about the matter to assist investigators.
Opara said the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, had appealed to anyone with useful information or evidence relating to the case to come forward.
The arrest comes weeks after the state government arraigned several suspected fake pastors as part of efforts to curb alleged religious exploitation and criminal activities disguised as religious practices.
Police authorities are yet to release the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
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