The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a clergyman, Pastor Harrison Charles, following allegations that he took dozens of married women from their husbands and engaged in other controversial practices involving members of his church.
The pastor, who owns Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested after videos and allegations about his activities surfaced on social media, prompting public outrage and calls for investigation.
Authorities say he has been handed over to the police, while a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the Anambra State Police Command is now underway.
The arrest comes amid the state’s ongoing crackdown on individuals described by government officials as fake pastors and self-acclaimed spiritual leaders accused of exploiting worshippers.
According to reports from alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of the church, Pastor Harrison encouraged practices that disrupted marriages and family relationships.
Some of the complainants accused him of forcing married couples to swap partners, while others alleged that he took the wives of church members as his own.
The allegations have generated widespread reactions across the state, with many residents expressing shock over the claims.
However, the accusations are yet to be tested in court, and the outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine whether criminal charges will follow.
Confirming the arrest, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, disclosed the development in a Facebook post.
He stated that Pastor Harrison was apprehended by operatives of Agunechemba, the security outfit established by the state government to support efforts against crime and other security threats.
According to Opara, the arrest followed the circulation of a viral video containing several allegations against the cleric.
“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 said.
“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
One of the revelations made by the state government after the arrest was the discovery of several babies in the pastor’s residence.
Opara said security operatives found about 11 babies in the house during the operation.
According to him, the pastor claimed that the children belonged to him.
“He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” Opara said.
The government spokesman added that the pastor allegedly told investigators that he did not know the exact number of wives he had married or the total number of children he had fathered.
The statement has further fuelled public curiosity about the extent of the allegations against the cleric.
While investigations continue, government officials have appealed to members of the public who may have relevant information to assist security agencies.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, urged individuals with additional details about the pastor’s activities to come forward.
He provided a government telephone number through which information could be submitted to aid the investigation.
The arrest is the latest development in Anambra State’s campaign against suspected fake pastors and individuals accused of using religion to deceive or exploit residents.
In recent weeks, the state government has intensified efforts to regulate activities within the religious space, arguing that some self-styled spiritual leaders have taken advantage of vulnerable worshippers.
The campaign has already led to the arraignment of eight clerics in court over various allegations.
Following those actions, more alleged victims have reportedly begun speaking publicly about their experiences.
Governor Soludo’s administration has repeatedly maintained that the crackdown is not targeted at genuine religious organisations but at individuals suspected of engaging in criminal acts under the guise of religious activities.
The government insists that legitimate places of worship have nothing to fear from the exercise.
The latest case has sparked debate among residents, with some calling for a thorough investigation and justice for any victims, while others have urged caution against reaching conclusions before the police complete their work.
They note that while the allegations are serious and disturbing, due process must be followed to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the justice system.
As police investigators continue their work, residents of Anambra and Nigerians across the country will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
If the allegations are substantiated, the matter could become one of the most controversial religious scandals in recent years.
For now, the Anambra State Government says its priority is to uncover the truth, protect possible victims and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.