![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a rapid response team to examination venues across the country in preparation for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
This is because the police dismissed spreading rumors about threats to the candidates’ safety as false.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, stated that the police were aware of “recent unfounded rumors” about the safety of several centers in a North Central state, but that such accusations were without merit.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis.
“While the NPF does not act on rumors, the concerns raised by members of the public have been duly noted as they concern the safety, education, and future of our children and wards.”
He stated that the police had taken proactive measures to ensure a secure environment for candidates sitting the examination scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026.
“To this end, extra security has been deployed at examination centers nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents.
“This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations.”
Placid also stated that the police were working closely with other security agencies to monitor and respond to potential threats.
“The Nigeria Police Force is collaborating closely with sister security agencies to monitor and address potential threats effectively. Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice,” he stated.
The police spokeswoman informed candidates, parents, and the general public that they would be adequately protected throughout the examination time and encouraged applicants to follow the requirements.
“Candidates are encouraged to arrive early at their centers, adhere to examination regulations, and report any suspicious activities or persons to on-site security personnel,” he said.
He also warned the public against spreading unverified information on social media, advising them to rely on official updates from the police and JAMB.
“The Force remains committed to maintaining peace, security, and public confidence in all national activities, including the JAMB examinations,” he said.
![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
