![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")
Neymar has surpassed Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with two goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia.
The 31-year-old attacker, who was tied with Pele for the most goals in World Cup qualifying, missed a penalty before scoring twice in the second half on his 125th appearance.
“I never imagined I’d break this record. “I’m no better than Pele or any other national team player,” he remarked.
Marta has a Brazilian women’s team record of 122 goals in 189 matches.
Pele, who died in December at the age of 82, scored 77 goals in 92 matches from 1957 to 1971. He was largely recognized as one of the best footballers of all time.
His official account on the social networking platform X praised Neymar’s accomplishment.
“Congratulations, Neymar, on surpassing the King of Brazil’s goals. “I’m sure Pele is cheering you on today! it said.
According to Brazil coach Fernando Diniz, “he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals, and break the record.”
When Neymar joined Paris St-Germain from Barcelona for £200 million in 2017, he became the world’s most expensive player.
He left the French club in the summer to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
“He is a huge idol, and people must recognize and accept him,” Diniz remarked.
In other news, Uruguay began their South American qualification campaign with a 3-1 victory over Chile under their new coach, former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.
