![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")
German international striker Timo Werner’s £52m move from RB Leipzig to Chelsea is being held up by Covid-19 quarantine regulations preventing the 24-year-old undergoing a medical. (The Athletic -subscription required)
Barcelona are reportedly looking at defenders from Tottenham and Chelsea who could be included in a potential swap deal for 27-year-old Philippe Coutinho. (Sport via Mail)
Inter Milan are planning to make a £27m bid this summer for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin even though the 25-year-old Spaniard has three years left on his current deal. (Express)
Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller said he would welcome linking up at club level with Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, 21, who is tipped with a move away from Leverkusen this summer. (Metro)
Highly-rated Birmingham City 17-year-old Jude Bellingham seems set to turn down a move to Manchester United and join Borussia Dortmund instead. (Sport Bild via Talksport)
The agent of Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso has denied reports he has held talks with Manchester United over a transfer for the 25-year-old Frenchman. (Standard via Sky Germany)
Talks are continuing between Juventus and Barcelona over a potential swap deal featuring midfielders Miralem Pjanic, 30, and 23-year-old Arthur Melo. (Independent)
Midfielder N’Golo Kante, 29, could be sold to Real Madrid by Chelsea this summer in order to raise transfer funds. (Express)
Chelsea’s planned summer transfer spending is set to be boosted by £13.5m thanks to the sale of 25-year-old midfielder Mario Pasalic to Atalanta where he has been on loan for the last two years. (Football London)
Wolves have become the latest Premier League club to show an interest in 22-year-old Rennes defender Axel Disasi and have put in a £13.5m bid for the Frenchman. (L’Equipe – in French)
Tottenham are increasingly confident of agreeing a new contract with midfielder Eric Dier this summer, before the 26-year-old enters the final year of his deal. (Football Insider)
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo but despite being keen to get rid of some of their high earners, the Serie A club are not keen to sell the 20-year-old. (Tuttosport)
Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal insists he is just focusing on his football and not thinking about a possible move away from the Nou Camp as the 33-year-old Chilean enters the final year of his contract. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)
Arsenal target Thomas Partey wants to remain at Atletico Madrid on increased wages amid speculation over his future. The Ghanian midfielder has a £45m release clause in his contract. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)
