![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")
President Bola Tinubu will swear in Olatunji Disu as substantive Inspector General of Police on Wednesday, after the Nigeria Police Council unanimously approved his nomination on Monday.
“The swearing-in ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for the same day,” special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced in a statement on Monday.
The council’s meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, was presided over by Tinubu and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack.
According to Onanuga, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Disu for his exceptional service, particularly as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos from 2015 to 2021, when he received acclaim for excellence in crime reduction.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule also praised the president’s pick, pointing out that Disu’s nomination was based on his impressive career record.
FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike praised Disu’s professionalism, citing his time in Rivers State as Assistant Commissioner of Police in command of the Criminal Investigation Department and anti-kidnapping squad from 2014 to 2015.
Wike highlighted that Disu later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command during his time as minister, praising him for his effectiveness as a crime fighter and assuring the command’s strategic influence in resolving security challenges within the territory.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah seconded the resolution to approve the appointment.
Disu’s confirmation came just a week after Tinubu named him acting IGP following Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation on Tuesday.
Disu, 59, was born in Lagos State on April 13, 1966, and began his career with the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a cadet assistant superintendent of police.
Wike highlighted that Disu later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command during his time as minister, praising him for his effectiveness as a crime fighter and assuring the command’s strategic influence in resolving security challenges within the territory.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah seconded the resolution to approve the appointment.
Disu’s confirmation came just a week after Tinubu named him acting IGP following Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation on Tuesday.
Disu, 59, was born in Lagos State on April 13, 1966, and began his career with the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a cadet assistant superintendent of police.
Disu served as aide-de-camp while Egbetokun was the chief security officer.
![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-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
