![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")
Hansi Flick will take charge of Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid despite the death of his father.
A minute’s silence before kick-off (20:00 BST) and players wearing black armbands during the game.
Announcing the death on Sunday afternoon, Barcelona said, “FC Barcelona and the entire Blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the passing of his father.
“We share in your sorrow, and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.”
Flick, 61, can help Barcelona win back-to-back La Liga titles if they defeat or tie Real Madrid.
Since taking over from Xavi in May 2024, the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager has won four trophies with Barcelona.
Their fierce rivals in Madrid issued a statement saying, “Real Madrid, its president, and its directors deeply regret the death of Hansi Flick’s father.”
“Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to their families and all their loved ones. Rest in peace.”
