![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")
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Nigerian Senate, on his 61st birthday.
This was said on Friday in Abuja by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
He praised Akpabio as a political leader whose credentials and accomplishments continue to garner attention both at home and abroad.
Tinubu praised the former Governor of Akwa Ibom and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, who became governor at the age of 45 after serving as a commissioner in three distinct ministries.
He admired the Senate President’s loyalty, passion, and commitment over the years, with measurable and lasting legacies to show for his tenure in numerous offices.
According to the president, Akpabio’s achievements were most notably exemplified by the extraordinary transformation of Akwa Ibom into one of the most vibrant and frontline states in the country.
Tinubu wished the President of the National Assembly, whose service to the nation continues to inspire patriotism, many happy returns as the Senate President turns 61 on Saturday.
The president prayed to God to continue to bless Sen. Akpabio and his family.
