![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
Goals from Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich took Bayer Leverkusen a big step closer to securing a UEFA Europa League final spot as Xabi Alonso’s men took a brilliant win in Rome.
Despite dominating possession early on, Leverkusen found themselves under pressure in the opening stages. Roma took pleasure in giving up field position for rare opportunities on the break.
Daniele De Rossi’s side almost scored in the 21st minute, with the cross bar repelling Romelu Lukaku’s powerful header as he latched onto a Leandro Paredes cross.
Die Werkself eventually began to purr, and the breakthrough came before the half-hour mark. Rick Karsdorp’s concentration was forced to lapse due to an aggressive press.
The Dutch fullback gave up possession, and Alejandro Grimaldo squared to Florian Wirtz, who scored from 12 metres out. Frimpong and Andrich came close to doubling Xabi Alonso’s side’s first-half lead before halftime.
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At the restart, Bryan Cristante glanced header that went just wide. Angeliño, a player on loan from RB Leipzig, quickly replaced Karsdorp at full-back.
Except for the Roma midfielder’s chance, Leverkusen controlled the game’s flow. Possibly the most dangerous front facing Roma was the aerial bombardment.
Leverkusen scored a second goal in the 73rd minute to extend their lead to 2-0. Though Josip Stanišić regained possession on the right flank, Grimaldo’s attack on the left was unsuccessful.
Robert Andrich came out again to rap the net from 20 meters. An enormous goal in the context of the tie, while early rests could be afforded to Adli and Wirtz.
Tammy Abraham headed over an open goal in stoppage time, keeping the German champions unbeaten in a remarkable 47 competitive games in 2023/24 and in an ideal position in the tie ahead of next Thursday’s second leg in Germany.
