A pastor in Anambra State has landed in police custody over allegations that he lured married women away from their husbands and incorporated them into his own household.

Pastor Harrison Charles of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by Agunechemba security operatives following the emergence of a viral video containing a series of allegations against him.

Among the claims being investigated are accusations that the cleric encouraged wife-swapping among church members and persuaded married women to abandon their husbands and become his wives.

The controversy has attracted even greater attention following reports that the pastor’s household may include as many as 75 wives, although authorities have yet to independently verify the figure.

Officials disclosed that 11 babies were found in the pastor’s residence during the operation. According to the allegations, the pastor claimed to be the father of all the children and said they were born by 11 of his wives.

Investigators were reportedly met with further surprise when the cleric allegedly stated that he could not accurately determine the total number of wives and children under his care.

The unusual nature of the allegations has triggered intense reactions online, with many social media users expressing disbelief at the reported size of the household, while others questioned how such an arrangement could have existed without attracting earlier scrutiny.

Beyond the public amusement generated by the case, observers say the development raises important questions about religious accountability, the influence of self-styled spiritual leaders, and the protection of vulnerable followers from possible exploitation.

The Anambra State Government, through its spokesman, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed that Pastor Charles remains in police custody while a joint investigation involving the government and the police continues.

Authorities have called on residents with relevant information to assist investigators as efforts continue to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

Government officials have emphasized that the claims against the pastor remain allegations and have not been proven in court. They reiterated that he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until a competent court rules otherwise.

As investigations progress, what began as allegations of wife-grabbing has evolved into one of the most talked-about controversies in the state, with public attention fixed on both the criminal claims and the extraordinary size of the household at the centre of the case.