A jury in Texas, United States, has convicted Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, of sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care.

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

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

During the trial, two women testified that the priest exploited his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate and pressure them into sexual relationships.

Prosecutors argued that Odiong abused the trust placed in him by women who sought spiritual guidance during emotionally difficult periods of their lives.

One of the complainants, identified in court documents as Mary Doe, told the court that Odiong initiated a sexual relationship with her while counselling her through a divorce. She further testified that her son once discovered them during a sexual encounter at her residence.

Another woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that the priest pressured her into sexual acts under the guise of providing spiritual direction.

The case gained wider attention following a 2024 investigation by The Guardian, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercion against Odiong during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.

Prosecutors said the report encouraged one of the victims to approach law enforcement authorities with additional allegations.

Investigators later gathered further evidence, including DNA evidence linked to a child reportedly fathered by the priest during his time in Louisiana.

Odiong, a naturalised U.S. citizen ordained in Nigeria in 1993, served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana.

Authorities noted that he was suspended from active ministry in 2019 following earlier misconduct allegations.

Although the priest pleaded not guilty and his legal team maintained that the relationships were consensual, prosecutors successfully argued that he had abused his clerical authority and influence over vulnerable women.

Sentencing is scheduled to begin on Monday, with Odiong facing the possibility of life imprisonment on the first-degree sexual assault conviction.

Bandits operating along Matazu axis of Katsina State have abducted Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), and his wife.

According to a security source, Abubakar, who was Director of Defence Information, was travelling to Katsina for a wedding when the armed men struck, on Saturday.

His driver was said to have escaped with gunshot injury but the retired General and his wife were whisked into the forest.

In a video circulating on social media, the vehicle in which the victims were travelling was seen parked inside Matazu Divisonal Police Headquarters.

Daily Trust reporter spotted at least two gunshot holes on the body of the red Peugeot 504 car.

This is the second known attack involving a retired General in Katsina since the abduction of Brigadier -General Maharazu Tsiga in 2025.

Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), spent 56 days in captivity.

Katsina has been a hotspot for crime despite several efforts to restore normalcy.

On Friday, bandits raided Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina, killing at least 16 people.

The tragic incident occurred after residents concluded Juma’at prayers and were gathered in celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was among villagers relaxing after prayers when bandits rode into the area, triggering panic among residents.

“People started running when they saw them, but the gunmen ordered everyone to stop.”

“Moments later, they went towards a mechanic’s house and suddenly began shooting at residents and passersby,” Channels TV quoted him to have said.

The witness also said that he narrowly escaped death after taking refuge inside a nearby house.

“After the Friday prayers, we were sitting together when I called a boy selling local drinks and bought a bowl from him. Suddenly, the bandits arrived. The boy and I ran into a house and hid.

“While inside, we heard screams and gunshots everywhere. When the shooting eventually stopped, and we came out, we found about 16 lifeless bodies, including some of my uncles and cousins,” he lamented.

The attack reportedly triggered a mass displacement of residents, with more than 400 villagers reportedly fleeing to neighbouring Bagagadi and Radda villages in search of safety.

Several others remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

Residents said some victims may have been killed while working on their farms, as several bodies were reportedly discovered in farmlands surrounding the village.

Protocols,

Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,

It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.

I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.

Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.

Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.

UNITY
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.

Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.

We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, “A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.

INSECURITY
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one point, a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (retd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.

We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property. Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria.

Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused. We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation.

HEALTHCARE
Regarding health, Nigeria is currently ranked 157th globally, placing it in the lower echelon of healthcare worldwide. Primary healthcare, the cornerstone of our medical system, remains severely not functional with only 10% to 20% of approximately 30,000 primary healthcare centres operational.

As a result, Nigeria suffers from one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. Furthermore, health insurance coverage in Nigeria hovers around a mere 10%, in stark contrast to countries like Indonesia, which boast over 90% coverage. This situation is regrettable.

I pledge that within four years, our health insurance coverage will more than double to over 20%.
Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10% of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5%. We will invest heavily in and support our healthcare institutions to ensure the massive training of our healthcare workers, including nurses and other professionals. We shall also adequately staff our medical facilities.

In four years, there will be a fully functional and properly managed primary healthcare centre in all 8,809 wards across the nation. By the conclusion of our term, Nigeria will ensure that at least 50% of its 30,000 primary healthcare centres are fully functional, properly manned, and dedicated to serving the populace.

EDUCATION
Education will remain at the forefront of our national revival, as no country can grow beyond its educational system. Nations that have transformed successfully have done so through sustained investment in human capital. Our children are not burdens; they represent our most valuable assets. We will invest heavily in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training, ensuring that education equips our youth not only to seek employment but also to generate it. We must pivot Nigeria from a cycle of shared poverty to one of collective prosperity through knowledge, innovation, and productivity.

HUNGER AND AGRICULTURE
In 2023, when the present government took office, Nigeria ranked 109 out of 150 nations on the Global Hunger Index.

And by 2025, our ranking further plunged to 115th, placing us among the hungriest nations globally. Currently, the World Food Programme estimates that over 35 million Nigerians will face acute hunger and food insecurity this year. This is unconscionable, given our vast expanses of uncultivated land.

Rice remains the most consumed food in Nigeria. To illustrate our level of unproductivity, let us compare our capabilities with those of leading rice-producing nations. India is the largest producer of rice, yielding approximately 200 million tonnes of unmilled rice.
Bangladesh is the third largest producer, produces around 60 million tonnes of unskilled Rice, while Vietnam is the 5th, produces about 42 million tonnes.

Let us consider the land-to-population ratios:
India has a landmass of 3,287,263 square kilometres. Distributed across its population of 1.4 billion people, this equals roughly 2. 34 Square meter per person.

Bangladesh, with a landmass of around 148,460 square kilometres and a population of 170 million, has less than 1 square metres per person.

Vietnam’s landmass covers 331,000 square kilometres. Divided by a population of 102 million, it yields about 3.25 square metres per person.

Nigeria has a massive landmass of 923,768 square kilometres. Divided by our population of approximately 230 million, this results in about 4.00 square metres per person.

The foregoing clearly illustrates that we have absolutely no justification for being among the world’s hungriest nations.

Transitioning our nation from a state of consumption to one of production, through significant investments in agriculture, is the sole dependable strategy to escape the current depths of hunger and poverty. As I often emphasise, the uncultivated lands in our northern region represent our most substantial tangible assets. Transforming this sector is our direct pathway to prosperity.

ENERGY SECTOR
Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million. In contrast, comparable nations worldwide – including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt – each generate and distribute over 40,000 MW, despite both countries having less than half of our population. This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth.

Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 MW power increase generation and distribution.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed. The current official unemployment rate of 4% grossly misrepresents the true situation; actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40% – among the highest globally, necessitating urgent intervention. We will address this by aggressively supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates, and accessible funding in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable.

CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent yields demonstrable value for the citizenry.

RULE OF LAW
The rule of law will be fiercely upheld, and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike, strictly in accordance with our constitutional frameworks.

DEMOCRACY
Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institutionalise deep respect for opposition parties and foster constructive engagement in governance.

Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency.

May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.