A self-acclaimed pastor, identified as Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly, Awada in Onitsha, Anambra State, has been arrested over allegations that he allegedly lured about 75 married women away from their husbands and claimed them as wives.
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions on social media, where disturbing confessions and allegations from alleged victims and their relatives have continued to circulate, accusing the cleric of manipulating couples and allegedly engaging in wife-swapping within his church.
The development comes amid a renewed crackdown on suspected fake pastors in Anambra State, which recently led to the arraignment of eight religious leaders over alleged misconduct.
Amid growing public outrage, a media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Ejimofor Opara, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect had been handed over to security operatives for further investigation.
According to him, a joint probe by the Anambra State Police Command and the state government has already commenced, with authorities urging members of the public with useful information to come forward.
He also called on witnesses and victims to channel their accounts to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, to aid ongoing investigations.
Opara wrote on Facebook:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Security sources said the case has further intensified public debate in the state over rising concerns about activities of unregulated religious centres, as authorities step up enforcement actions against suspected fraudulent spiritual leaders.
(Vanguard)
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