![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")
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed joy and relief over the safe release of the remaining worshippers abducted in the Kurmin Wali community, Kaduna State.
The organization praised the victims’ release as a moment of grace and reassurance for the Church and related communities after days of fear following the abduction.
In a statement published on Thursday in Kaduna, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his decisive and compassionate leadership during the crisis.
Hayab stated that the governor displayed attentiveness to the people’s predicament, which contrasted with earlier experiences in which citizens were supposedly intimidated or disregarded in similar incidents.
“We rejoice with the Church and the people of Kurmin Wali for the safe return of all kidnapped victims,” Hayab said.
He added, “We especially appreciate Governor Uba Sani for showing remarkable leadership and empathy during these trying moments. He heard the cries of the people and fulfilled his promise to ensure the release of the abducted worshippers.”
CAN also praised the efforts of the security agencies involved in the operation, including the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security operatives.
According to the group, the worshippers’ safe release was the result of persistent dedication, professionalism, and collaboration among security services.
The statement also thanked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, and President Bola Tinubu for their contributions to public safety.
Hayab stated that the outcome demonstrated good leadership at both the state and federal levels, as well as consistent control of security activities.
“We pray that such tragic events will not recur in any of our communities,” he told the crowd.
The cleric emphasized Northern CAN’s willingness to collaborate with the government and security authorities to protect churches and communities throughout Northern Nigeria.
“Northern CAN pledges to fully support government and security agencies to ensure our churches and communities remain safe,” he said.
He also advised locals to remain vigilant and assist with security personnel by swiftly reporting suspicious activity.
“We encourage everyone to report any suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities,” Hayab added.
The CAN chairman described the release of the worshippers as significant, emphasizing the significance of collaboration among government leaders, security services, and local populations.
“The safe return of the worshippers today is a testament to effective collaboration and the resilience of the affected communities,” he said.
The Christian group reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and vigilance, stressing the need to protect places of worship and prevent future attacks in the region.
![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")
