![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 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on President Bola Tinubu on Monday to intervene to reclaim its Edo State secretariat from the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress.
The PDP also pledged to continue its attempts to regain the contentious property at 59 Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, PDP National Deputy Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor slammed the ruling party’s tactics, calling them an assault on democracy.
It was gathered last Thursday that the APC had seized and taken control of the building, which had previously served as its secretariat.
The property has been occupied by the PDP since Godwin Obaseki defected to the party in 2020 after being barred from competing for governor by the APC.
Osadolor accused the APC of routinely violating the law.
He said, “This country once upheld the rule of law and established protocols. But now, we’re witnessing abnormalities that should never happen. Since the President himself has shown disregard for the laws of the land, it is unsurprising that his party is following suit.
“The truth is, these actions undermine our democracy. Those responsible may think they are displaying power, but the people of this country are tired. If pushed too far, a single spark could ignite significant unrest.
“Even with court judgements restraining them and ordering a return to the status quo, the Edo governor, backed by his allies, has defied these rulings. Now, we’re in court and have reported our case to all security agencies. While these agencies claim to have the situation under control, it is clear that the APC is bent on subverting democracy.
“Our message to Mr. President, as the commander-in-chief, is to bring this situation to his attention. We believe he is aware of what is happening in Edo State and across the country. He must rein in his party.
“My message to PDP members in Edo is to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate the situation. I firmly believe that, like the night, this too shall pass. Life will go on.”
Attempts to elicit a response from the APC leadership in Abuja were fruitless.
Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, could not be reached by phone, while Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the National Vice Chairman (South-East), declined to comment, indicating that he had not been following the situation.
![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?")
