Nigerian Priest Convicted In US For Sexually Assaulting Women Seeking Spiritual Guidance

A jury in Texas, United States, has found Catholic priest Anthony Odiong guilty of sexually assaulting women who turned to him for spiritual guidance and support.

According to The Guardian, the jury, made up of eight women and four men, convicted Odiong on two counts of sexual assault after hearing evidence presented during the trial.

Odiong, who belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, now faces severe penalties.

One of the convictions carries a possible life sentence, while the other could result in up to 20 years in prison.

The priest was arrested in 2024 after several women accused him of using his position as a religious leader to manipulate and abuse them.

The allegations included sexual coercion, inappropriate physical contact, and controlling behaviour involving finances.

The accusations stemmed from his time serving as a priest in Waco, Texas, and in Luling, a community near New Orleans in Louisiana.

Following an investigation, a Texas grand jury formally charged him with sexual assault offences.

Prosecutors told the court that Odiong often presented himself as a trusted spiritual adviser to women dealing with personal difficulties, including troubled relationships and family problems.

Authorities reportedly discovered evidence that he had engaged in sexual relationships with at least one woman who had sought his guidance.

Testimony presented during the trial also included allegations that he advised another woman, who was experiencing domestic abuse, to permit a sexual act involving her husband and later discuss the experience with him.

One of the women, identified in court records as Mary Doe, testified that she became involved in a sexual relationship with Odiong after he began counselling her during a difficult divorce.

She said she was raising seven children at the time and relied on his spiritual support.

According to her testimony, one of her sons unexpectedly walked into her bedroom and saw her and the priest together.

The child later appeared in court and gave evidence during the trial.

Jurors were also presented with DNA evidence gathered by investigators.

The evidence reportedly showed that Odiong fathered a child with another woman, referred to in court under the pseudonym Presley Jones.

The woman testified that she had received spiritual counselling from Odiong while he served as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Luling.

The case has drawn significant attention because of the allegations that the priest abused the trust placed in him by women who sought religious guidance during vulnerable periods in their lives.

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