The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a pastor accused of taking dozens of married women as wives and allegedly compelling members of his church to engage in wife-swapping arrangements.

The cleric, identified as Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of the state’s security outfit following allegations that surfaced in a viral video, government officials said.

Authorities said the pastor has been handed over to the police as investigations continue into the claims made against him.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown by the state government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries.

“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,” Opara said.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”

The pastor has been accused by alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of his congregation, of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claim as many as 75 women were involved.

He has also been accused of encouraging wife-swapping among church members, allegations that authorities say are being investigated.

Officials stressed that no court has ruled on the claims and that investigations remain ongoing.

Opara said security operatives discovered 11 babies during the arrest operation at the pastor’s residence.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he said.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”

The state government said it is collaborating with the police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether any laws were violated.

Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information about the pastor’s activities to assist the ongoing investigation.

The arrest comes as the Anambra State Government intensifies efforts against individuals accused of exploiting residents through religious practices, with several suspected fake pastors recently arraigned in court.