WACO, Texas — A Texas jury has convicted Nigerian Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of sexually assaulting women who had sought spiritual guidance from him, concluding a closely watched trial centred on allegations that he abused his clerical authority.
Odiong, 57, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, was found guilty on May 29 at the 19th State District Court in Waco, Texas. Jurors convicted him of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault involving two women who testified during the trial.
The case focused on allegations that Odiong exploited women under his spiritual care, using his role as a priest to pursue and pressure vulnerable parishioners. Prosecutors argued that his position gave him influence over women who trusted him for religious counselling and guidance.
Odiong had pleaded not guilty when the trial opened. He has been in custody since 2024 after failing to meet a $5.5 million bond. Prosecutors said he rejected a proposed 20-year plea deal before the case went to trial.
The conviction exposes him to a possible life sentence on the first-degree charge, while the second-degree counts carry additional prison terms of two to 20 years. Sentencing is expected to begin on Monday.
The trial followed years of complaints and scrutiny surrounding Odiong’s conduct while serving in the United States. He had worked in Texas and later in Louisiana, where he helped raise funds to build a chapel. After his conviction, a Louisiana chapel he helped establish reportedly removed his name from public display.
The Guardian reported that testimony during the trial included allegations from several women who said Odiong used spiritual direction and emotional dependency to exploit them. Prosecutors also presented evidence suggesting a broader pattern of misconduct, although not every allegation resulted in criminal charges.
The case has drawn attention to concerns over abuse involving adult women in religious settings, particularly where clergy exercise spiritual authority over parishioners. Advocates say such cases can be difficult to prosecute because victims may feel shame, fear retaliation or struggle to prove coercion when abuse occurs within pastoral relationships.
Odiong’s conviction marks a major legal outcome in a case that has raised difficult questions for church authorities in both the United States and Nigeria. For the victims who testified, the verdict represents a measure of accountability after years of allegations.
