![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 National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) said it would deepen collaboration with the Nigerian police to fortify the nation’s lottery sector.
The Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, was quoted as saying this in a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Magnus Ekechukwu, Deputy Director/Head Public Affairs, NLRC, when he visited the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun in Abuja.
The meeting underscored the existing collaboration between the two entities aimed at ensuring monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement of the activities of the commission while upholding the rule of law.
Gbajabiamila expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended by Egbetokun and congratulated him on his appointment.
The lottery commission boss, while recognizing the pivotal role lotteries played in the entertainment and socio-economic development of the country, stressed the importance of maintaining transparency, fairness, and security in all facets of their operations.
He noted that their mode of operation, which rested on transparency, was instrumental in safeguarding public interests and the trust of stakeholders.
Gbajabiamila articulated the joint responsibility of both organizations in combating fraud, manipulation, and unlawful activities that could potentially erode public confidence in the lottery industry.
He specifically highlighted the NLRC’s reliance on police officers in monitoring and enforcing compliance within the lottery sector.
“This visit aims to consolidate the existing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our nation’s lottery system and upholding the law.
“Through our combined efforts, we can effectively combat any attempt at fraud, manipulation, or illegal activities that could undermine the public’s trust in the lottery industry.
“Specifically, the NLRC will require the service of police officers in the monitoring of lottery activities and enforcement of compliance.
“Therefore, we solicit your cooperation in directing Commissioners of Police nationwide to release police officers to assist the commission whenever the need arises,” Gbajabiamila said.
Egbetokun, while responding, assured that the Nigeria Police Force would support the NLRC in its oversight and enforcement roles and pledged to elevate the partnership to a new height.
He also assured Gbajabiamila that appropriate instructions would be communicated to police commissioners across the country to assist the commission in discharging its activities.
“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police Force will assist you in your monitoring and enforcement duties.
“We will partner with you in investigating and fighting fraud, providing security needs for your personnel while you go about your lawful duties.
“I have taken note of your requests, and instructions will be given as regards police commissioners nationwide.
“I am aware of the existing partnership between the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Police Force, but I am assuring you that I will take this partnership to another level of mutual cooperation,” Egbetokun 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?")
