![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")
Ruud Van Nistelrooy has dismissed concerns that he could be sacked from his role as Leicester manager just 56 days into his reign.
The Foxes have lost their past seven Premier League games and another defeat on Sunday at Tottenham would equal a club record run set in 2001.
They are second bottom, two points from safety, following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham.
Van Nistelrooy – who only replaced Steve Cooper in November – has won just two of his 10 games in all competitions, one of which was the 6-2 FA Cup third round victory over QPR.
“I’m focused on getting this team out of the situation, that’s my only concern,” he said, when asked if he was worried about his job.
“I’m with the players, working with everyone at Leicester to get the best out of this squad, and in difficult times. In tough times, you need to be strong, show character, work and persist and be committed.
“We are united and committed. That is the spirit and you can see that on the pitch. I can see a team with spirit and fight. If we continue this run will end.”
Van Nistelrooy also said that Wilfred Ndidi is not for sale this month with Monaco interested in the midfielder.
Ndidi signed a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year, in the summer after helping the Foxes win promotion back to the Premier League and Van Nistelrooy is not thinking about letting the Nigeria international leave.
“No, of course not,” he replied when asked if Ndidi, who is close to a return from a hamstring injury, could depart.
“Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again.
“We know how much we’ve missed him and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation.”
