The Anambra State Government, through operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit, has arrested the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, Pastor Harrison Charles, over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law 2025.
He is accused of sexual misconduct, marrying underage girls, and allegedly engaging in the exchange of spouses among church members.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral videos on social media containing multiple allegations against the cleric.
According to reports, operatives also discovered about 11 babies in his possession during the arrest. The pastor, however, reportedly claimed to be the father of the children, saying they were born from 11 of his wives. He also allegedly stated that he could not accurately account for the total number of wives or children he has.
In several viral clips, yet-to-be-identified women accused the cleric of widespread misconduct, including interfering in marriages, allegedly taking members’ wives, marrying underage girls, and using charms to deceive congregants. One of the women called on the state government to urgently investigate the church, alleging ongoing abuses.
“It is 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 there,” she said in one of the videos.
In a statement on Saturday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with the state government.
He urged members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist ongoing investigations through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi.
“The suspect, Pastor Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” the statement read.
“He is currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.
“During his arrest, about 11 babies were found in his residence. He claims to be the father of the children, stating that they are from 11 of his wives.
“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”
The government added that investigations are ongoing and urged anyone with additional information to report via 08034182108.
