Anambra Govt confirms arrest of pastor accused of ‘wife-snatching and swapping’, recover 11 babies

The Anambra State Government has arrested the Pastor-in-Charge of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, Pastor Harrison Charles Anazodo over allegations of snatching married women from their husbands.

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The suspect was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba on Friday, June 12, 2026 following viral videos containing several allegations against him.

The men who are mostly members of his church, also accused him of forcing them to swap wives.

During his arrest, about 11 babies were found in his possession, which he could not account for.

In one of the videos circulating online, a yet-to-be-identified woman accused the cleric of engaging in various forms of misconduct, including interfering in “marriages, marrying about 75 wives, taking other men’s wives, marrying underage girls, and using charms to deceive members.”

“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,” she said.

Dr Ejimofor Opara, the Special Adviser on Media to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who confirmed the arrest added that the suspect was currently being investigated by the police in collaboration with the state government.

He, however, called on anyone with information about the pastor’s alleged activities to reach out to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, with relevant testimony.

“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,’?” 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 home. He claims to be the father of these 11 babies, 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.

 

“While investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information to report it to the State Government via 08034182108.”