Meet Anambra-Based Pastor Arrested for Allegedly Converting Over 50 Women Into Wives, Conduct Wives Swaps
Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, has been arrested over allegations that he persuaded dozens of married women to leave their husbands and become his wives.
The cleric’s arrest follows a wave of accusations circulating on social media, where alleged victims and their relatives claimed he engaged in controversial practices within his church, including allegedly taking members’ wives as his own and encouraging marital exchanges among congregants.
The development comes amid the ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government on suspected fake pastors and religious fraud.
Last week, eight individuals accused of posing as clerics were arraigned by the state government for alleged violations of relevant laws.
Confirming the arrest, a media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, disclosed in a Facebook post that the pastor was apprehended by operatives of Agunechemba and subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
According to Opara, a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Police Command and the state government has commenced to ascertain the authenticity of the allegations.
“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 is currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
Opara further revealed that about 11 babies were found in the pastor’s residence during the operation.
“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 said.
“He also claimed that he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”
The governor’s aide added that investigations are ongoing and appealed to members of the public who may have useful information about the suspect to assist authorities.
He said the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information or testimonies regarding the pastor’s activities to report to the state government.
As of the time of filing this report, no formal charges had been announced against the suspect, while authorities continue their investigation into the allegations.
The case has attracted widespread public attention and further intensified scrutiny of self-acclaimed religious leaders operating in the state.