![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 talisman Mohamed Salah has downplayed personal accolades, insisting his focus remains on winning the Premier League with Liverpool.
The Egyptian star, who played a vital role in Liverpool’s dominant 5-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, emphasised the importance of teamwork and humility.
“I’m not thinking about the Ballon d’Or. I want to win the Premier League,” Salah told Sky Sports. “I will do my best for the team to win a trophy. There are other teams who want to catch up with us, but we have to stay humble and focused.”
Arne Slot’s Liverpool continued their impressive form toward a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
The Reds delivered a convincing display at the London Stadium, recording their 23rd win in 27 games across all competitions this season.
Luis Diaz started the score at the half-hour mark, followed by Salah’s brilliance in setting up Cody Gakpo for the second goal with audacious technique.
Salah scored his 20th goal of the season just before halftime, putting Liverpool well in control.
The carnage continued in the second half, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring from long range and Diogo Jota adding the fifth with another Salah assist. The victory made Slot happy with his team’s performance.
“I enjoyed it a lot because it doesn’t happen many times that I could just sit back and enjoy,” said Slot, who is excelling in his first season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
The victory came amid speculation over the futures of Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and captain Virgil van Dijk, all of whom could sign with foreign teams on free transfers in January.
Salah, on the other hand, disregarded distractions and reaffirmed his devotion to Liverpool’s title bid.
“The only thing on my mind is I want Liverpool to win the league, and I want to be part of that,” he added.
