![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 "Anthony Odiong: Nigerian Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison over sexual assault")
The Adamawa State Government has cancelled the “Cross Over Night” festivities set on December 31 at the Unity Flyover in Jimeta, Yola, the state capital.
Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, announced the announcement in a statement released to the media on Wednesday.
Wonosikou indicated that the crossover event was cancelled for citizens’ safety and security, and that additional details would be provided as needed.
“The Adamawa State Government has cancelled all activities planned for the Cross Over Night on Dec. 31, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026, at the Unity Fly-Over in Jimeta, Yola.
“The safety and security of citizens remain our top priority. The government will continue to work with security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the statement said.
The administration also asked inhabitants, particularly those in Yola North and South Local administration locations, to remain careful and avoid congested locations.
“Avoid any potential risks and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” the statement added.
The development comes just after the Lagos State Government announced the cancellation of the 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta, which was supposed to take place on December 31.
The declaration was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by Gboyega Akosile, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s assent.
Sanwo-Olu decreed that, instead of the annual Greater Lagos Fiesta, also known as the Countdown to 2026, citizens should “spend quality time in personal prayers for the nation, the state, and the people of Lagos.”
The governor also encouraged Lagosians to pray for “our continued prosperity, leadership, peace, productivity, and general well-being.”
While wishing people well as the year comes to a close, Sanwo-Olu voiced confidence for the year ahead, wishing all Lagosians “a happy and prosperous year 2026,” and remarking that the future year “shows great promise for the state and Nigeria.”
According to the statement, the governor also urged locals “to continue to live in peace and harmony.”
![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 "Anthony Odiong: Nigerian Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison over sexual assault")
