![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")
Social media has been flooded with outrage following disturbing videos showing women being harassed during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The viral footage, which surfaced on Thursday, captured groups of men tearing at women’s clothes, groping them, and subjecting them to public humiliation. The scenes have triggered widespread anger, with many Nigerians questioning how such actions could be linked to culture or tradition.
Some online claims suggested the behaviour was part of the festival, alleging that participants were allowed to molest women. However, others strongly disputed this, insisting the acts were a recent deviation rather than a recognised cultural practice.
The controversy has intensified concerns about women’s safety, dignity, and the need to clearly define the limits of traditional celebrations in modern society.
Festival’s Original Meaning Explained
In response to the backlash, leaders of Ozoro Kingdom moved to clarify the origins of the event.
Berkley Asiafa, president-general, and Obaro Egware, secretary-general, said the celebration—known as the Alue-Do festival—is historically a fertility rite.
According to them, the festival is rooted in cultural beliefs tied to childbirth and is intended to bring hope to couples seeking children.
They explained that traditional activities include symbolic acts such as playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals without children, believed to invoke fertility blessings.
“The Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility… a cultural practice believed to bring blessings of children,” the statement noted.
Monarch Denies Abuse Claims
The king of Ozoro Kingdom has also rejected claims that sexual harassment is part of the festival.
Speaking during a visit by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the monarch said he has never witnessed such behaviour in over 20 years on the throne.
“I have never heard of girls being abused and harassed in my community in the name of a festival,” he stated.
Growing Debate
Despite the clarification, the incident has ignited a broader national conversation.
Many Nigerians are now questioning whether some cultural practices need reform, while others stress the importance of protecting women from violence regardless of context.
The debate continues as calls grow for accountability and clearer safeguards during traditional events.
![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")
