Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly located in Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, has been taken into custody following allegations that he allegedly persuaded numerous married women to leave their husbands and become his wives.
The arrest follows widespread reactions on social media, where videos, testimonies, and allegations from individuals claiming to be victims, as well as their relatives, have circulated extensively. According to the claims, the pastor was involved in controversial practices within his church, including allegedly encouraging marital exchanges among congregants and taking the wives of other men as his own.
The development comes amid the ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government on individuals accused of operating as fake pastors. The recent enforcement efforts led to the arraignment of eight clerics last week, prompting more people to come forward with accounts of their experiences and allegations against self-acclaimed religious leaders.
A media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, disclosed the arrest in a Facebook post, stating that the pastor was apprehended by operatives of Agunechemba and subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
Opara explained that security agencies and the Anambra State Government have commenced a joint inquiry into the allegations. He also appealed to members of the public who may have relevant information to assist investigators by contacting the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi.
According to Opara, “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 further revealed that authorities discovered several infants during the pastor’s arrest.
“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 also claimed that he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”
The government official added that investigations remain ongoing and urged anyone with useful information that could aid the inquiry to come forward.
“While investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information to report it to the State government.”
Authorities have yet to conclude their investigation, and no formal court ruling has been made regarding the allegations. The outcome of the ongoing probe is expected to determine the next legal steps in the matter.
