![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 Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a scathing rebuke of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of undermining the spirit of June 12 — a date symbolic of Nigeria’s democratic awakening.
In a strongly worded statement commemorating Democracy Day, CNPP condemned the APC for what it described as the “systematic erosion” of the values that June 12, 1993, came to represent — unity, electoral integrity, and the triumph of the people’s will.
“Today, elections under APC have become a parody of the June 12 ideals,” said Comrade James Ezema, CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary. “From voter suppression to compromised electoral umpires, the APC has betrayed the very ethos it once claimed to defend.”
June 12 marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola but annulled by the military. CNPP lauded past efforts, including former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day. However, the coalition said symbolism without substance does little to honour the sacrifices of Abiola and pro-democracy heroes.
A Call to Action: People’s Constitution and 2027 Legacy
The CNPP urged the Federal Government to launch a national process to create a people-driven constitution, one that reflects Nigerians’ aspirations for credible elections, judicial independence, and inclusive governance.
In a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a prominent figure in the June 12 struggle, CNPP called on him to “lead with courage and conscience.”
“History beckons. Tinubu must prove his pro-democracy credentials by ensuring that the 2027 elections are transparent and truly representative of the people’s will,” the statement read.
Drawing a parallel to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession in 2015, CNPP challenged Tinubu to rise above partisan interest and cement a democratic legacy.
More Than a Date
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, CNPP called on all arms of government, civil society, and the youth to recommit to democratic ideals.
“Democracy is not just a date on the calendar. It is a living covenant — one the APC must honour, not betray,” Ezema concluded.
![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")
