![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")
Liverpool has reportedly expressed interest in one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars, Rodrygo, and is planning a big bid to sign the Brazilian forward.
Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s 23-year-old emerging prodigy, might be facing his final months at the Santiago Bernabéu if Premier League bids are appealing enough to both him and the Spanish club.
According to a post on the Spanish news agency Fichajes’ website on Wednesday, Liverpool is one of the top candidates to sign the Brazilian attacker, and they are apparently willing to make a deal of around €100 million.
Although Real Madrid has no immediate plans to part with Rodrygo, they do not consider him untouchable, and forthcoming proposals from England may be too appealing to reject.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool see Rodrygo as an ideal alternative for Mohamed Salah, who may be nearing the end of his Anfield career.
Fichajes said, “Liverpool, in particular, see Rodrygo as an ideal candidate to replace Mohamed Salah, who could be experiencing his last stage at Anfield.
“The Brazilian’s ability to unbalance games and his notable effectiveness in the area make him a luxury option for the Reds. At 23 years old, Rodrygo has been a key piece for the Madrid team, already accumulating 57 goals and 43 assists in 225 games, demonstrating an unusual maturity for his age in high-level competitions such as La Liga and the Champions League.”
Although Real Madrid values Rodrygo’s talent and potential, the club is known to explore large offers for its players if the price is right.
“The white sports management is aware that the Premier League offers lucrative contracts and opportunities for young players, and the Brazilian could be tempted to try his luck in a new challenge, especially if Liverpool offer a sporting project that appeals to him,” Fichajes added.
The summer of 2025 could be a watershed point in Rodrygo’s career as Liverpool prepares to make a huge bid for the young star.
