Controversy Trails Arrest of Pastor Accused of Snatching 75 Women from Marriages

The arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles Anazodo, founder of Day Spring Assembly Church in Awada, Anambra State, has triggered widespread reactions among church members, residents and the general public amid a series of allegations against the cleric.

Pastor Anazodo, 57, was reportedly arrested by operatives of Agunechemba, Anambra State’s homeland security outfit, following allegations that he lured dozens of married women, many of whom were members of his congregation, into becoming his wives.

The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video in which a woman accused the pastor of taking church members’ wives and engaging in controversial practices within the church.

Among the allegations levelled against the cleric are wife snatching, wife swapping among church members, child trafficking, sexual misconduct, marrying underage girls, promoting unconventional religious doctrines, encouraging members to dress as the opposite gender during evangelism and claiming to be the only true saviour sent by God.

Residents and former church members alleged that the church openly supported polygamy and that some members surrendered their wives to the pastor in the belief that doing so would help solve their personal and family challenges.

One resident, identified simply as Ekene, claimed that male church members wore female clothing while women dressed as men during evangelism exercises. He also alleged that church vigils involved unusual activities, including periods when all lights were switched off at midnight.

Several former members further alleged that some women abandoned their husbands to join the pastor’s household. One source claimed that the cleric initially had about 45 wives before the number allegedly increased over the years. Another resident alleged that some female followers revered the pastor to the extent of treating him “like a god.”

The controversy deepened with claims that a wealthy church member who died had allegedly willed his entire property to the pastor without the knowledge of his wife. Following the man’s death, the pastor was said to have attempted to take possession of the property, a move that reportedly sparked complaints from family members and attracted the attention of security agencies.

However, not all accounts were critical of the pastor. A female church member who spoke anonymously defended him, describing him as a genuine man of God and insisting that the allegations were driven by jealousy, personal grudges and attempts to tarnish his reputation. According to her, the pastor’s success and ability to provide for many women and children had attracted hostility from his detractors.

Confirming the arrest, the Anambra State Government said Pastor Anazodo had been handed over to the police for further investigation. Authorities disclosed that about 11 babies were found at his residence during the arrest operation. The pastor reportedly claimed that the children were his and had been born by 11 of his wives. He also allegedly stated that he could not accurately account for the total number of wives and children he had.

The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed that a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the police had commenced. He urged members of the public with useful information to assist investigators.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, called on anyone with relevant information concerning the allegations to come forward and aid the ongoing probe.

Authorities have emphasized that the allegations remain under investigation and that no court has found the pastor guilty of any offence. They noted that appropriate legal action would be determined by the outcome of the investigations.