![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")
Southampton have completed the signing of Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for £25m.
The Saints will pay an initial £18m for the former Sheffield United goalkeeper, with an extra £7m in add-ons.
The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal at St Mary’s and the club have the option of extending his deal by a further 12 months.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Ramsdale.
“The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.”
Aaron Ramsdale, capped five times for England, was selected for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
He made 89 appearances for Arsenal after a £26m move to the Emirates from Sheffield United in 2021.
“Aaron is a real statement signing for us,” said Saints boss Russell Martin.
“I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him.”
Ramsdale had been linked to a move to Wolves.
The former Bournemouth goalkeeper attended Southampton’s play-off win against Leeds United in May in support of close friend David Brooks, who was on loan with the Saints from the Cherries.
There is a tradition in the pair’s friendship group to attend an end-of-season match in fancy dress, which saw Ramsdale dress up as Harry Potter character Hagrid at Wembley.
Southampton’s announcement video saw Ramsdale dress up as Hagrid once again to confirm his move.
Arsenal expect to complete a season-long loan move for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto to replace Ramsdale.
