….11 babies found during raid on his house

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.

Pastor Harrison Charles

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.

THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, and expressed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) deep sorrow over the tragic loss.

Uba said the military withheld public comments on the retired general’s abduction to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts mounted by the armed forces and other security agencies.

He said every available operational resources was deployed in the bid to secure the safe release of the former military spokesman before his death.

“The DHQ regrets to announce the passing of retired Maj.Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” he said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer, his associates and Nigerians at large over the painful loss,” he said .

He described Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served the nation with honour and professionalism in several strategic appointments during his military career.

“The deceased served as spokesman for various military formations and later as Director of Defence Information, where he played a significant role in projecting the activities and operations of the military.

“He also made notable contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of military personnel and other national security initiatives.

“His commitment to duty and the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Uba said that the unfortunate incident had further strengthened the resolve of the military to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He added that ongoing operations across the country had already been reinforced in response to the growing wave of abductions and violent attacks, including the incident involving the retired general.

“The DHQ reiterates its determination to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the country.

“The military remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism are brought to justice.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” he said. (NAN)

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has dismissed as ‘false and misleading’ media reports which claimed that a court ordered his arrest in connection with the allegation of certificate forgery.

Nnaji said that the publication was part of a sustained media campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji maintained that he is neither in hiding nor under investigation by any law enforcement agency, insisting that neither he nor his legal team has received any invitation, summons, warrant, or correspondence from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The statement accused the Premium Times of attempting to subject the former minister to a “media trial” amid growing political interests surrounding his future aspirations.

It reads: “Statement on the Latest Premium Times Publication Concerning Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji

“Our attention has been drawn to yet another PREMIUM TIMES publication alleging that a court has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.

“We wish to state unequivocally that Chief Nnaji is not in hiding and has never evaded any law enforcement agency.

“As a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, where he has lived for nearly two decades, is well known to public authorities. His residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, has likewise been publicly known since 1990. It is this long-standing visibility, accessibility, and connection to the people that earned him the name “Nwakaibie.”

“We further wish to make it abundantly clear that neither Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji nor his legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has received any invitation, summons, warrant, or correspondence whatsoever from the ICPC. No such process has been served at his Abuja or Enugu residences, both of which have been publicly known for decades.

“It is equally important to remind the public that Chief Nnaji is already before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 a case he personally filed to clear his name and obtain a judicial determination of issues relating to his academic records. Central to that case is his request for the release of his official academic transcript, a document every graduate is ordinarily entitled to obtain from his or her university. “

The statement further said that contrary to the narrative being promoted by the media, Chief Nnaji was not dragged before the courts, explaining that the former minister “voluntarily approached the judiciary as the Applicant/Plaintiff, seeking the preservation and release of his transcript and relevant records.“

“That matter remains pending before the court and has not been judicially determined,” it added, claiming that “the latest report must also be viewed within the context of a prolonged and extraordinary media focus on Chief Nnaji.”

The statement pointed out that when the media previously contacted Chief Nnaji’s representatives regarding an alleged ICPC “manhunt,” a response was promptly provided denying the claim and requesting supporting evidence.

“Chief Nnaji remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law. He remains confident that facts, not sensational headlines will ultimately prevail. As our people say, “Ezi Okwu Ga-Apụta Ije” the truth will always come to light,” the statement further said.