![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")
Aston Villa closed to within two points of the top of the Premier League as John McGinn’s goal beat title rivals Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s men have now won 15 consecutive Premier Leagues at Villa Park and back-to-back victories over Manchester City and the Gunners have sparked hopes of an unexpected challenge for their first title since 1981.
The only goal came after just seven minutes when Villa captain McGinn span onto Leon Bailey’s cross and fired into the top corner.
“What a monumental week it has been for us,” said McGinn.
“That was actually a really tough spell for us we played Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday and I think it showed in our performance tonight, it wasn’t our best, but I’m certainly not complaining.
“The second half was a bit of character, a bit of grit and fair play to the substitutes who’ve come on.”
Arsenal’s second league defeat of the season leaves Mikel Arteta’s men one point behind Liverpool, who went top with a controversial 2-1 win at Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday.
Arteta was forced to watch from the stands as he served a touchline ban and had to restrain himself after the game when asked about a couple of controversial incidents.
Arsenal thought they should have had a penalty in the second half when Gabriel Jesus went down under a challenge from Douglas Luiz.
And Kai Havertz had a late goal disallowed for handball.
“I do (have a) big opinion, yes,” said Arteta. “(But) I prefer not to comment.”
Victory was sweet for Emery, who was sacked by Arsenal four years ago.
The Spaniard has made a remarkable impact at Villa, since his return to England over a year ago.
“It was a tough week and now after these three points we have to be happy but also keep balance,” said Emery.
“I will speak again when we are in game 32 or 33. Today we are at game 16 and we are not a contender (for the title).”
– Arsenal rue lack of killer striker –
Arsenal were left to rue a number of big missed chances that raise fresh doubts over whether they can win a first Premier League title in 20 years without a natural goalscorer.
“We were the better team, we didn’t deserve to lose but this is football,” said Arteta.
“(Scoring is) the only thing we miss today. We created some really big chances.”
Arsenal’s first big chance came even before Villa scored as Bukayo Saka failed to make contact with Gabriel Martinelli’s cross.
Seconds later, they were behind as McGinn took a perfect touch from Bailey’s cross to tee up his fifth goal of the season.
Emiliano Martinez ensured Villa’s lead lasted until the break as he denied Martin Odegaard and Jesus.
Arteta endured a frustrating watch as Villa rode their luck in the second half.
Ollie Watkins turned a corner onto his own post before Odegaard wasted another big chance by skewing wide.
Saka did finally find a way past Martinez, only to be flagged offside.
And there was late drama when Havertz outmuscled Matty Cash to bundle in at the back post.
The ball appeared to come off both players’ hands as they battled for possession, but the referee’s decision to award handball against Havertz was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.
Arsenal’s defeat opens the door for fourth-placed City to close back to within four points of the top when the English and European champions visit Luton on Sunday.
AFP
