![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 Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has provided Nigerians with a detailed guide on how to report loan apps that engage in harassment, particularly after loan repayment failures.
Online loan apps have become a popular choice for many Nigerians seeking quick financial relief.
However, some lenders resort to aggressive tactics, including sending embarrassing messages — sometimes with personal photos — to the borrowers’ contacts when repayments are delayed.
These actions have led to significant distress, with victims losing jobs and facing public humiliation.
In April 2024, BBC Pidgin reported that this practice had led to serious problems, with some victims even losing their jobs due to public shame and humiliation.
In May 2024, FCCPC said it was taking steps to block loan apps engaging in such harassment.
In response to growing concerns, the FCCPC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights. On Friday, the commission encourages Nigerians to report any instances of harassment from loan apps.
“Are you being harassed by loan apps or unfair businesses?
“No consumer should live in fear! The FCCPC is here for you, ensuring your rights are protected and businesses play fair,” the message posted on X reads.
HOW TO REPORT HARASSING LOAN APPS:
Email FCCPC: Send your complaint to contact@fccpc.gov.ng.
Social Media: Send a direct message to FCCPC on X.
To report on the commission’s website, log on to FCCPC website
- Click on Menu
- Click on File a Complaint
- Enter Date, Name (in Complaint Reported By), Contact Address, Mobile Number, Email
- Enter the name of loan app in ‘Complaint reported Against’, the Contact Address of Loan Apps, Phone Numbers, Email
- In ‘Cost of Purchase’, enter the loan amount.
- Then enter the Receipt Number (of Product/Service) Account Number/ Meter Number (Where Applicable)
- Enter Warranty details if relevant.
- Briefly state your complaint in the designated box.
- In the Prayers section, specify your request for redress.
- There is also an option to “Upload Files (Files to be uploaded should be saved with the same name you filled in the ”complaint reported by” section otherwise, it wouldn’t be attended to).”
- You can then submit.
![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?")
