RismadarVoice Reporters, May 30, 2026
A Catholic priest from Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women who sought spiritual guidance from him.
According to reports, a Texas jury comprising eight women and four men found Odiong guilty of sexual assault after considering evidence presented during the trial.
Odiong, who is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, was convicted on charges that stemmed from allegations made by women who reportedly approached him for spiritual counselling and support.
Under Texas law, the conviction carries severe penalties. The priest faces the possibility of life imprisonment on a first-degree felony charge, while a second-degree charge could attract a prison term of up to 20 years, depending on the court’s sentencing decision.
The sentencing phase is expected to determine the exact punishment to be imposed following the jury’s verdict.
The case has attracted significant attention both in the United States and Nigeria due to Odiong’s status as a Catholic cleric and the nature of the allegations.
