![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Luis Diaz inspired Colombia to victory over Brazil on an emotional night as his father watched from the stands after being released by his kidnappers.
The Liverpool forward scored twice in five second-half minutes to complete a surprise Colombia comeback in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla.
He was reunited with his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, on Tuesday after rebels had held him hostage for 12 days.
Following his first goal, Diaz’s teammates and staff surrounded him.
The 26-year-old pointed to the crowd after his 75th-minute equalizer and television cameras showed his teary-eyed father, wearing a Colombia shirt, celebrating with his arms raised.
Diaz said he had experienced “hard moments” over recent weeks but added, “Life makes you strong and brave, and I think that’s football, and not just football but life.
“I’m grateful to my teammates and to the coaching staff, who were always there for me at every moment,” he said.
“And I dedicate the victory to the people who deserved it.”
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli had given favourite Brazil a fourth-minute lead before they lost Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. to injury later in the first half.
But Diaz’s quick-fire double secured an important win, which lifted hosts Colombia above their opponents and up to third in the South American standings.
It came just two days after he was reunited with his father, who was freed by Colombia’s National Liberation Army guerrilla group after being kidnapped in his home town of Barrancas on October 28.
Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was rescued a few hours later, and a massive search operation was launched for her 58-year-old husband.
