Operatives of Agunechemba security outfit have arrested the founder of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, Pastor Harrison Charles, over allegations that he lured 75 married women away from their husbands and allegedly made them his wives.
The arrest followed a series of allegations circulating on social media, where several individuals claiming to be victims and relatives accused the cleric of manipulating married women within his congregation and engaging in controversial marital practices.
The development comes amid the ongoing crackdown by the Anambra State Government on individuals suspected of operating fraudulent religious centres.
The campaign recently led to the arraignment of eight suspected fake pastors in the state.
Confirming the arrest, the media aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Ejimofor Opara, disclosed in a Facebook post that the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation.
According to Opara, a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the police has commenced to determine the authenticity of the allegations levelled against the cleric.
He stated that the pastor was apprehended after a viral video surfaced online containing multiple accusations against him.
Opara further revealed that security operatives reportedly discovered 11 babies during the arrest.
The cleric allegedly claimed to be the biological father of the children and said they were born to 11 of his wives.
The government aide added that the suspect also claimed he could not accurately state the number of wives he had married or the total number of children he had fathered.
As investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, urged members of the public with relevant information about the case to come forward and assist investigators.
Authorities have yet to announce any formal charges against the suspect as police inquiries continue.