![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")
Leandro Trossard’s late winner moved Arsenal a step closer to the Premier League title and left West Ham United deep in relegation trouble after a dramatic finale at the London Stadium.
Arsenal had been frustrated by the struggling Hammers until Trossard, who struck the woodwork twice within seconds in the first half, broke the deadlock when his shot deflected in off Tomas Soucek with seven minutes left.
It came moments after a vital save by Arsenal keeper David Raya from Mateus Fernandes, the victory putting Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
West Ham thought they had equalised deep into stoppage time but Callum Wilson’s strike was ruled out for a foul on Raya after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) examination, much to the fury of the home supporters.
It meant joy unconfined for Arsenal, but for West Ham the contrast could not be greater as they are in the relegation places, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, having played a game more.
Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges but lost momentum when manager Mikel Arteta surprisingly moved Declan Rice to right-back after Ben White went off with a knee injury.
Rice returned to his more familiar midfield role in the second half, but West Ham gained confidence and it needed that crucial save from keeper Raya – who had earlier saved from Taty Castellanos’ header – to deny Fernandes from from point-blank range when he looked certain to score.
Trossard then made his vital intervention and Wilson’s goal was disallowed for the foul on Raya, meaning Arsenal – who have already reached the Champions League Final – close in on their first title for 22 years.
