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Pastor Arrested for Taking 75 Married Women as Wives, Tears Church Apart

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Pastor Harrison Charles Anazodo and his Church

Pastor Arrested for Taking 75 Married Women as Wives, Tears Church Apart

The arrest of a 57-year-old Anambra State pastor, Harrison Charles Anazodo, over allegations that he lured 75 married women—most of them members of his congregation—to become his wives has sent shockwaves through his church and community, sparking a fierce debate among followers and neighbours alike. The cleric, who leads the Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was apprehended on June 12, 2026, by operatives of the state’s homeland security outfit, Agunechemba. His arrest, which followed a viral video of a woman detailing his alleged misconduct, has torn his church apart, with some defending him as a true man of God and others calling for his prosecution.

The allegations against Pastor Harrison are extensive and deeply troubling. His victims, who are mostly members of his church, have accused him of forcefully taking their wives for himself and, in some cases, compelling them to swap wives with other church members. The pastor also stands accused of marrying underage girls, using charms to deceive members, and engaging in child trafficking. A resident of the neighbourhood, who identified himself simply as Ekene, said that in that church, they don’t see anything wrong with polygamy because the pastor supports it and even quotes scripture to back it up. He added that when they go for evangelism, men wear female wares while women wear clothes meant for men. He also raised concerns about the church’s midnight vigils, explaining that every Sunday, they observe vigil that starts from 7pm and ends at 5am, but at exactly 12 midnight, all the lights go out and one wonders what transpires within that period. The pastor’s arrest followed a viral video from a lady who accused him of luring married women away from their husbands and converting them into his own wives. According to reports, the cleric’s atrocious activities had been ongoing for over 10 years.

Pastor Harrison Charles Anazodo

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The alleged “last straw” that led to his arrest, according to a source, was linked to the death of one of his members said to be wealthy. The deceased, who attended the church without members of his family, including his wife, had reportedly willed his entire property to the pastor. Shortly after the man’s demise, the pastor came and took possession of all the property of the wife, claiming that the man willed the property to him before he died. This reportedly led to a complaint from both the wife’s family and in-laws, culminating in the pastor’s arrest.

During the arrest, authorities discovered about 11 babies in the pastor’s home. Pastor Harrison claimed to be the father of these children, stating they were born by 11 of his wives. He also claimed that he does not know the total number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has. The discovery has raised additional concerns about potential child trafficking or exploitation, though authorities have not yet confirmed any such charges.

The arrest has deeply divided the congregation and the community. While many residents and former members are calling for the pastor’s prosecution and the closure of the church, others have defended him. One lady member of the church, who did not want to be quoted, described Pastor Charles as a true man of God, saying that those against him were jealous of his success. She asked that if he is doing all the things leveled against him, why has he not come to her, adding that he married that number of women because he has enough money to maintain them. However, critics argue that many of the so-called churches in the area are merely enterprises exploiting gullible residents. The pastor’s flamboyant dressing and big vehicles, contrasted with his members who “look hungry and haggard,” have sparked outrage.

The arrest is part of a broader state-wide crackdown by the Anambra State Government on fake pastors and religious leaders who exploit residents. The campaign, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, recently led to the arraignment of eight pastors before a High Court for alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law, 2025, including staging fake miracles using hired actors. The state government has vowed to take the fight to the doorsteps of fake native doctors and pastors as part of efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality in both traditional and religious worship. The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has appealed to residents to provide credible information that would lead to the arrest of more fake pastors.

The pastor has been handed over to the police, and a joint investigation between the Anambra State Police Command and the state government has commenced. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information or testimonies relating to the allegations to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation. The Media and Publicity Secretary of the state security outfit Agunechemba, Comrade Nweke Nweke, confirmed that the suspect was in their custody and that investigation was ongoing. He said that Pastor Harrison Charles was arrested based on allegations leveled against him by members of the public and that the matter is currently under investigation, promising to issue a press statement about their findings at the end of the investigation.

Pastor Arrested for Taking 75 Married Women as Wives, Tears Church Apart

Related Topics:arrested church Married Women pastor

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“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2026

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Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller and Content Creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Influencer questions whether financial success alone qualifies young content creator for marriage, igniting fresh debate on maturity and timing.

Social media commentator Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, has publicly criticised TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, over his decision to marry fellow content creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis. The criticism has reignited debates about age, maturity and readiness for marriage in the social media era, with GehGeh arguing that financial success alone should not be the basis for marriage.

The criticism followed Peller’s announcement on Sunday that he had completed traditional marriage rites by paying Jarvis’s bride price during a family introduction ceremony in Benin City, Edo State. Sharing clips from the event on Instagram, Peller wrote: “Today, I proudly paid the bride price of the woman I love.” He described the occasion as the beginning of a beautiful journey and expressed gratitude to both families for their blessings, declaring himself “officially off the market.” Following the ceremony, Peller shared an emotional video of Jarvis nearly crying as they prepared to leave her hometown for Lagos. He also recently revealed that Jarvis is pregnant, adding another layer to the public discourse around the timing of their union. The couple’s relationship has been highly publicised since 2024, featuring viral collaborations, multiple engagements, emotional breakups, and reconciliations.

Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, GehGeh questioned the growing argument that financial strength alone justifies marriage, insisting that other key factors must be considered before making such a life decision. “Y’all are justifying his act with ‘he has the money allow him’. But y’all failed to ask yourself if he’s ready mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he wrote. He further stated: “Everything isn’t all about the money.” GehGeh expressed disappointment that Peller went ahead with the marriage plans despite his earlier advice, arguing that the content creator was still young and had more personal development ahead of him. “You still growing as a child why get married now eehn.. I tried my possible best to help you but you failed to listen to me.. Peller don go marry Jarvis.. upon all my advice this boy still pour spit for my face,” he said. The influencer also challenged those supporting Peller’s decision on the basis of his financial standing, asking whether they would encourage a younger sibling or family member to marry at a similar age. According to GehGeh, those backing the decision on grounds of Peller’s financial stability should reflect on whether they would advise a younger relative to take such a step.

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The family introduction ceremony comes weeks after Peller proposed to Jarvis at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, where she accepted his proposal. The couple first met in 2023 through TikTok live streams, and their chemistry quickly captured public attention. In October 2024, their relationship became public when Jarvis kissed Peller on stage at the Pulse Influencer Awards. Their journey has been marked by public arguments, with Jarvis previously expressing concerns about Peller airing their private disagreements online and admitting she had “compromised her values” to support him. In July 2025, Jarvis confirmed they were engaged but stressed that marriage would happen at the right time, citing the need for caution and readiness. The couple has also weathered controversy beyond their personal conduct. In March 2026, Jarvis publicly appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for forgiveness after backlash over an unauthorised visit to the Benin Royal Palace, which the Benin Traditional Council described as a violation of palace customs. That episode unfolded in the same Edo State setting where the bride price has now been paid, adding an ironic layer to their recent traditional ceremony.

The development has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with some users defending Peller’s decision on the grounds that he is financially stable and capable of providing, while others agreed with GehGeh that maturity goes beyond wealth and readiness equally matters. The exchange underscores how the private milestones of Nigeria’s young digital stars increasingly play out as public referendums on age, money, and readiness for marriage. What follows remains uncertain. Neither Peller nor Jarvis has fixed a date for a white wedding, and GehGeh has not indicated whether he intends to press the matter further. For now, the debate continues to generate significant online engagement, with fans and critics alike weighing in on whether the young content creators made the right decision.

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

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18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Published

5 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Gunmen storm Kawel and Kopkon villages in Bokkos LGA, less than a week after traditional ruler was killed in same area.

No fewer than 18 farmers have been killed and several others injured after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Kawel and Kopkon villages in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault occurred late Sunday night, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the region and coming less than five days after the District Head of Gwande was killed in an ambush.

The attackers reportedly stormed the communities at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping residents before fleeing the area as security operatives mobilised to the scene. Some accounts place the time of the attack as late as 1:20 a.m. on Monday. According to a security report cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls following the attacks. Upon arrival at the affected communities, security operatives recovered 12 bodies from Kawel village and six from Kopkon village, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18. Other reports, however, put the death toll as high as 19 or 21. Military sources said troops have since launched search operations across surrounding communities to track down and apprehend fleeing suspects.

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Confirming the incident, Christopher Luka, Bokkos Youth Leader, said he received information about the attack from a member of the youth council shortly after midnight. “A youth leader called around 12 a.m. that gunmen attacked the community and shot over 20 people, so 18 were confirmed dead,” Luka told journalists. He explained that he immediately alerted security personnel stationed in Bokkos. “I called the security and they confirmed to me that they had been alerted and were on their way to the attacked community,” he added. Luka described the attack as unprovoked and urged security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the area. He called on security forces to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the local government area.

The latest incident comes less than five days after the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos LGA, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community. The traditional ruler was reportedly returning home from a traditional council meeting when he encountered the attackers. The renewed violence has deepened concerns over security in Bokkos and surrounding communities, which have witnessed recurring deadly attacks in recent months. In May, no fewer than 12 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, and in March, gunmen reportedly killed 27 residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack. Efforts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace, SP Alabo Alfred and Captain Polycarp Auta, were unsuccessful as they had not responded to inquiries. Operation Enduring Peace has since intensified patrols and reinforced security presence in vulnerable parts of the state in response to the recurring incidents. The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Plateau State, where residents continue to call for a stronger security presence and decisive action to end the cycle of violence.

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

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BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Published

5 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Omoyele Sowore

BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Activist, SaharaReporters publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s detention on Monday after the activist appeared before the court for the continuation of his trial. The development comes days after the court revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear at a previous hearing.

Sowore arrived at the court premises carrying a packed travel bag and told journalists that he anticipated the court would order his detention. He was accompanied by supporters and members of his movement, many of whom gathered outside the courtroom with placards expressing solidarity and demanding what they described as justice and respect for free speech.

The court had, on June 16, granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), seeking the revocation of Sowore’s bail. The prosecution argued that the activist deliberately failed to attend court despite being aware of the hearing date and urged the judge to compel his appearance through a bench warrant.

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Although Sowore had sent a letter requesting an adjournment, Justice Umar ruled that the explanation provided was inadequate and insufficient to justify his absence. The court subsequently revoked his bail and directed that he be arrested and produced before the court.

The DSS prosecution of Sowore stems from allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, including describing the Nigerian leader as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

According to the DSS, the statements were false, injurious and capable of damaging the reputation of the President. The agency insists that the matter falls within the ambit of applicable laws governing criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.

Sowore has, however, consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that his comments were political opinions protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression. His legal team has argued that the charges amount to an attempt to criminalise criticism of public office holders and suppress dissenting views.

The case has attracted widespread attention across Nigeria, drawing reactions from civil society organisations, human rights advocates, political activists and legal practitioners. Many observers view the proceedings as a significant test of the balance between freedom of expression and the enforcement of laws governing online communication.

Monday’s proceedings were marked by heightened security around the Federal High Court complex as supporters and observers closely monitored developments. Following the ruling, court officials processed the remand order, paving the way for Sowore’s transfer to the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further hearings.

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the court also expected to consider pending applications from the defence. Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for political speech, digital rights and the boundaries of public criticism in Nigeria’s democracy.

For now, Omoyele Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will stay pending the next stage of proceedings in the closely watched case.