![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")
Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag has said the performances of 19-year-old Willy Kambwala and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool show that the club have a bright future.
Luis Diaz put Liverpool ahead in the first half at Old Trafford before Bruno Fernandes equalized and Mainoo made it 2-1 for United in the second period. Mohamed Salah’s late penalty rescued a draw for the visitors.
Defender Kambwala made his second league start of the season on Sunday with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans out due to injury.
“I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return,” Ten Hag told reporters of Evans and Varane.
“We were convinced (Kambwala) could do the job and he has done brilliant.”
He was delighted with the contributions of Kambwala and Mainoo.
“I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.
“This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline… then the future will be very good.”
United are sixth in the Premier League and look set to miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League.
They visit Bournemouth on Saturday before playing Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 21st.
“It’s still positive, we have the semi-final,” said Ten Hag.
“We will keep fighting for every point and see where we are in the end.”
