The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, following allegations that he married as many as 75 women, many of whom were reportedly already married.
According to state authorities, the cleric was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba and subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation. Officials disclosed that a joint probe involving the Anambra State Government and the police has commenced to determine the veracity of the allegations.
The pastor was apprehended after a viral video surfaced online in which several individuals accused him of taking church members’ wives as his own and encouraging controversial practices within his congregation.
Reports indicate that some former members accused the pastor of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Others also alleged that he promoted wife-swapping among members of the church, claims that have generated widespread reactions on social media.
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In a further twist, authorities reportedly discovered eleven babies at the pastor’s residence during the arrest operation. Pastor Charles allegedly claimed that the children were his and were born by eleven of his wives. He also reportedly stated that he could not accurately account for the total number of wives or children he has.
The arrest comes amid the Anambra State Government’s ongoing crackdown on individuals accused of using religion to exploit members of the public. In recent weeks, several clerics suspected of engaging in questionable activities have come under investigation.
Government officials have called on members of the public with additional information regarding the pastor’s activities to come forward and assist investigators.
The police say investigations are ongoing, while authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies related to the allegations.
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