Anambra arrests pastor over child trafficking, underage marriage, wife-snatching claims
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- Anambra State authorities arrested Pastor Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly over allegations including child trafficking, marrying underage girls, and wife-snatching.
- Approximately 11 babies were found in his possession during the arrest, which he could not account for.
- The pastor is under investigation by the police and the state government following viral videos detailing numerous accusations.
Pastor Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, has been arrested by operatives of Agunechemba in Anambra State, Nigeria, following viral videos containing serious allegations. The charges include alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law 2025, encompassing sexual misconduct, marrying underage girls, and allegedly taking church members' wives.
It’s important now that Governor Soludo is arresting fake pastors, to quickly launch an investigation into the church because a lot of evil is going on in the church.
During the arrest on Friday, authorities discovered about 11 babies in Pastor Charles' possession, for which he provided no satisfactory explanation. Social media has been circulating with confessions and accusations from alleged victims. These claims suggest the cleric engaged in various illicit activities, including swapping wives with other men, taking some members' wives for himself, and marrying underage girls, allegedly using charms to manipulate congregants.
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.
One woman featured in a viral video urged the Anambra State Government to investigate the pastor, stating, "It’s important now that Governor Soludo is arresting fake pastors, to quickly launch an investigation into the church because a lot of evil is going on in the church." Dr. Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, confirmed the arrest and ongoing police investigation in collaboration with the state government.
He is currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.
Pastor Charles reportedly claims to be the father of the 11 babies, each from one of his wives, but also states he does not know the total number of wives or children he has. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, has appealed to the public for any additional information regarding the pastor's alleged activities, providing a contact number for reporting. Investigations are continuing.
During his arrest, about 11 babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these 11 babies, stating that they are from 11 of his wives.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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