A Nigerian-born Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has bagged a life sentence in Texas, in the United States, after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting women.
The women were those who came seeking spiritual guidance from him.
The court alleged that he exploited his position as a priest and abused the trust placed in him by those women who approached him for spiritual counselling and support.
Odiong, hails from Akwa Ibom State and he was sentenced in June 2026 following his conviction on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault.
Whereas the women sought spiritual direction, Odiong exploited their vulnerability for sexual pleasures, contrary to expectations, the court said.
In Texas law, members of the clergy can face criminal liability for sexual conduct involving the exploitation of a person’s emotional dependence on them as a spiritual adviser.
READ ALSO: Secret Wedding: Social Media Implicates Catholic Church Priest
READ ALSO: ‘Abuja Stampede: Govt Should Assist Catholic Church, Not Detain Its Priest’
The jury handed Odiong a life sentence for the first-degree sexual assault offence and 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the two second-degree offences.
The slight reprieve for the convicted clergy is that the three sentences will run concurrently.
He will serve them at the same time and would become eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
The court also imposed a total fine of $30,000 on the Nigerian-born a Catholic Priest.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.