![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")
Queen Elizabeth II’s doctors have put the spotlight on the 96-year-old monarch’s health.
“They are concerned about Her Majesty’s health following further assessment in the morning. The doctors have recommended that she remain under supervision at Balmoral Castle,” the official statement said.
In fact, the Queen has been forced to postpone a meeting of her Privy Council scheduled for Wednesday.
“After a busy day yesterday, Her Majesty has this afternoon accepted the doctors’ recommendation to rest,” Buckingham Palace explained.
The development of events suggests that Elizabeth II’s state of health is fragile. In fact, Prince Charles, Camilla and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, have all travelled to Balmoral to be with the Queen at this time. For the moment, the monarch is not expected to be admitted to hospital.
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements and is in Balmoral.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were due to attend a charity event in London, are travelling to Balmoral, said a spokeswoman.
Barriers are being placed outside one of the entrances to the estate.
Reactions to Queen Elizabeth II’s declining health
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has been very serious in her assessment of the Queen’s health.
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace. My thoughts, and the thoughts of people across the UK, are with the Queen and her family at this time,” Truss said.
Elizabeth II appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event.
During her 70-year reign the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace.
For his part, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, sent “best wishes” to Elizabeth II and her family.
“I speak on behalf of the whole House and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” Hoyle added.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “My prayers, and the prayers of people across the [Church of England] and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.
“May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement he was “deeply worried”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her thoughts and wishes to the Queen.
Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Wales.
The monarch has been on a summer break at her Scottish home since July.
![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")
