RismadarVoice Reporters, June 13, 2026
The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a clergyman, Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, who is accused of taking multiple married women from their husbands and allegedly involving himself in widespread marital misconduct within his congregation.
According to reports, several affected individuals many of whom are members of his church alleged that the pastor pressured women into leaving their husbands and, in some cases, arranged for members’ spouses to be reassigned within the church community, with claims that he personally married a significant number of them.
The case comes amid a broader crackdown by the Anambra State Government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries. The ongoing enforcement effort has already led to the prosecution of several suspected clerics, with authorities intensifying investigations following multiple public complaints.
Confirmation of Pastor Harrison’s arrest was provided by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, in a statement shared on social media. He said the suspect was taken into custody by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing serious allegations against him.
Opara further stated that the pastor has since been transferred to the police for investigation, which is being conducted jointly by the Anambra State Police Command and relevant state authorities.
He also urged members of the public who may have additional information about the alleged activities to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
Authorities disclosed that during the arrest, approximately eleven infants were discovered at the suspect’s residence. The pastor reportedly claimed to be the father of all the children, stating they were born to eleven of his wives. He also allegedly said he could not accurately account for the total number of wives or children he had.
The Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr Ken Emeakayi, has encouraged residents with useful information to report to the state government as investigations continue.
The case remains under active investigation as officials work to verify the allegations and determine the full extent of the situation.
