![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")
Argentine forward Lionel Messi scored a late winner as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid to move top of La Liga.
Rafinha gave Barca the lead when Luis Suarez – who had an effort ruled out – took a shot which ricocheted off two defenders to land at his feet.
Diego Godin levelled when he headed home Koke’s free-kick.
But Messi pounced in the 86th minute to win the game for the champions after his initial effort was blocked by defender Stefan Savic.
Real Madrid, who have two games in hand, will go back to the top if they beat Villarreal at 19:45 GMT.
86 min: GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL!!!!! #Messi gives Barça the lead! ???????
ATM 1-2 FCB #FCBLive #AtletiFCB #ForçaBarça! pic.twitter.com/aGRsodmXWT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 26, 2017
Atleti, the 2014 champions, are now nine points off top spot.
Messi is Barca’s saviour again
Barca were far from their best again, but they have now followed their 4-0 Champions League humbling by Paris St-Germain with two 2-1 victories in La Liga – with Messi scoring a late winner in each of them.
Atletico dominated the first half, with Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen making a multitude of saves.
The visitors improved after the break but looked destined to be held until Messi’s late intervention.
The Argentine, who had earlier forced a brilliant Jan Oblak save from a free-kick, pounced late on again from close range.
Luis Suarez played the ball back to Messi, whose first shot was blocked by Savic.
But he remained alert to poke home the rebound and send Barca top – for four hours at least.
That was Messi’s 20th La Liga goal in 21 games this season – and his 21st against Atletico in the league in as many attempts.
