![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 "Anthony Odiong: Nigerian Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison over sexual assault")
Ryan Giggs has been appointed Wales manager on a four-year contract.
The 44-year-old former Manchester United winger succeeds Chris Coleman, who left for Sunderland in November.
Coleman’s assistant Osian Roberts, former Wales striker Craig Bellamy and Mark Bowen were also interviewed.
Giggs had long been a target for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and was the favourite for the role once Coleman departed after Wales failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
‘I can’t wait to start’ – Giggs
The FAW confirmed the appointment on social media and in a statement Giggs said: “I am so proud to have been given the honour of managing the national team.
“The challenges that we have ahead of us with the Nations League and qualification for Uefa Euro 2020 excite me a great deal.
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“I can’t wait to start working with the players as we prepare for those crucial games later in the year.”
FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “With his vast amount of experience having played, coached and managed the biggest club in the world, we are confident of a successful future for our national team.”
‘Ferguson to blame for Giggs’ lack of Wales friendlies’
Giggs won 64 caps between 1991 and 2007 and captained his country – but he was criticised for regularly pulling out of squads and especially for missing friendly matches.
Before Giggs’ appointment former team-mate Clayton Blackmore told BBC Sport Wales their former boss Sir Alex Ferguson had been responsible for the no-shows.
The Manchester United great was in caretaker charge of the Red Devils for four games at the end of the 2013-14 season following the sacking of David Moyes.
He spent the next two seasons as Louis van Gaal’s assistant, but left after Jose Mourinho was appointed manager at Old Trafford.
Losing out to Bradley at Swansea
Giggs lost out on the Swansea job to Bob Bradley after being interviewed for the manager’s role at the Liberty Stadium in October 2016.
It is understood Bellamy and Roberts, who is the FAW’s technical director, also had their supporters at Welsh football’s governing body.
Bellamy, 38, won 78 caps and is the country’s fourth most-capped player.
The former Newcastle, Liverpool and Blackburn forward is currently an academy coach at Cardiff City, where he ended his playing career in 2014.
