A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care and guidance.

Odiong, 57, was found guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial held in Waco, Texas.

The verdict was delivered by a 12-member jury comprising eight women and four men after approximately two hours of deliberation.

According to court proceedings, prosecutors accused the priest of exploiting his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate vulnerable women into sexual relationships while providing them with counselling and religious guidance.

Two women testified during the trial, alleging that Odiong used his authority as a Catholic priest to gain their trust before engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct.

One of the victims, identified in court as Mary Doe, told jurors that the priest initiated a sexual relationship with her while she was receiving spiritual counselling during a difficult divorce.

She further testified that her son once unexpectedly discovered her and the priest engaged in sexual activity inside her residence.

Another complainant, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that Odiong pressured her into sexual acts while presenting the encounters as part of his spiritual guidance.

Prosecutors argued that the priest took advantage of the women’s emotional vulnerability and the trust they placed in him as a religious figure.

Odiong, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, including life imprisonment on the first-degree sexual assault conviction. Sentencing proceedings are expected to commence on Monday.

The case gained wider attention following a 2024 investigation that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behaviour involving the priest during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.

Authorities said the publication of those allegations encouraged one of the victims to formally approach law enforcement with additional claims.

Investigators subsequently gathered further evidence, including DNA findings reportedly linked to a child fathered by Odiong during his time serving in Louisiana.

Odiong, a naturalised United States citizen, was ordained as a Catholic priest in Nigeria in 1993 before relocating to the United States, where he later served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana.

Yobe State Police Command said its operatives have arrested nine suspects in separate operations targeting drug trafficking, substance abuse, and youth hooliganism across the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Damaturu.

According to the statement, police operatives from B Division raided Pompomari Kan Tudu at about 5:40 pm on May 29, 2026, where two suspected drug dealers, Jibrin Mohammed, 30, and Kasim Kyari, 22, both residents of Pompomari, were arrested.

“Police recovered 26 sachets of Tramadol, 23 sachets of Diazepam, two wraps of Arizona Cannabis, 34 wraps of local cannabis, four stones of crystal methamphetamine, an 11-inch dagger, a pair of scissors, and N91,950 in cash.

“The suspects and exhibits are under investigation ahead of prosecution”, the command said.

Similarly, the Divisional Police Headquarters in Fika responded to a distress call that youths had invaded Ngalda Market, engaging in intimidation, public disturbance, and robbery.

The Police Command disclosed that patrol teams arrested seven suspects at the scene.

“Preliminary investigation showed the suspects had pursued teenage girls without provocation, causing panic among traders and residents. Some goods were reportedly looted and vandalised with sticks and cutlasses.

“Investigation is ongoing to identify the masterminds and arrest other fleeing accomplices”, it said.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, in the statement, restated the command’s zero tolerance for youth hooliganism, drug trafficking, substance abuse, and all forms of criminality.

He ordered officers to remain dedicated, professional, and steadfast in ensuring peace and public safety across the state.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Akwa Ibom Command, says it booked 51 traffic offenders during the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operation conducted during the celebrations.

The Sector Commander in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Felicia Kalu, who led the team, said in a statement on Saturday that the special operation was to ensure reduction in road crashes during the celebrations.

According to Kalu, the special patrol operation was organised by the command with special marshalls targeting critical traffic offences capable of causing road crashes.

“Such offences targeted at includes: driving against traffic, speeding, overloading, dangerous driving/overtaking, distracted driving, use of cell phone while driving and tyre violation among others.

“During the operation, a total of 51 targeted critical offences were recorded, while minor offenders were cautioned and warned to desist from such violations of road traffic rules and regulations,” Kalu said.

The sector commander warned drivers and motorists against any act that undermines the safety of other road users.

She noted that the command had made adequate deployment of human and material resources to ensure effective enforcement of traffic laws, prompt rescue services, removal of obstruction and traffic control.

She expressed concern over the rise in ‘wrong-way’ driving and other reckless practices on major routes in the state, describing them as grave dangers to motorists and pedestrians.