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

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.

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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