Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges - Newstrends
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Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

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Anthony Odiong

Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

US-based Nigerian Catholic priest, Fr. Anthony Odiong, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly abusing his position of authority within the church to pursue sex with vulnerable women, has been granted a $5.5 million bail.

Odiong was granted bail at a bail hearing on Tuesday in Waco, Texas, United States.

Odiong requested a reduction in the $5.5 million bail on which he is being held in custody, but a judge denied the request after prosecutors established that Odiong had communicated plans to flee to his native Nigeria if he was released.

Odiong, 55, is charged with five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and two more in the second degree in connection with three other women.

DeLange stated that he had confirmed nine purported Odiong victims in the United States and abroad, with two more identified as recently as Tuesday morning.

DeLange testified under oath in a two-hour hearing that Odiong was constructing a luxurious home in his native Nigeria to which he could flee if he were to be granted bail.

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Many of the priest’s past congregants packed the courtroom gallery on Tuesday, with many confirming they could help the priest meet his bail requirements.

Some of his followers confirmed their aid for him was indeed not forced, testifying on Tuesday that they would be able and willing to contribute up to $25,000 to cover their priest’s bond.

According to DeLange, the priest sees himself as above the Catholic hierarchy and has managed to raise substantial funds directly from his congregants through claims of healing and spiritual guidance.

Prosecutors asked the detective if he was forcing his followers to donate to his defense. DeLange said it wasn’t forced but did describe the situation as “an abuse of faith.”.

“He is a dear friend of myself and my family,” said Rose Ann Vanek, who testified she would assist Odiong financially if he were to be released. While she testified, she grinned at the priest, who smiled and nodded back. “Thank you, father,” she said. “We love father.”

He could face life in prison if convicted on any of the first-degree counts.

 

Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

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Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

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Boko Haram-ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have killed at least four police officers and a local hunter in coordinated attacks on security posts in Borno State, underscoring the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.

The attacks occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026, targeting the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters and a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters duty post at the Malam Fatori IDP Camp in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.

According to ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, the Nganzai police station came under fire at about 1:00 a.m., with terrorists deploying Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons in an attempt to overrun the town. Police officers, supported by the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Crack Squad, military personnel, CJTF members, and local hunters, engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, ultimately repelling the attack and restoring normalcy.

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Despite the successful defense, four police personnel “paid the supreme price”, while a section of the police station was damaged, and an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was partially burnt.

Almost two hours later, at around 2:40 a.m., insurgents attacked the CJTF/hunters’ post at the entrance of the Malam Fatori IDP camp. One hunter, Atom Abua, 40, was killed, and about 20 thatched houses and properties were destroyed. Combined security teams prevented further loss of life and property.

Following the attacks, Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the affected areas to strengthen security and prevent further incidents. He commended the bravery of officers and local defenders, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice.

Security experts note that the attacks highlight the enduring insurgency threat in Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to target security installations and vulnerable communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

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NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

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Pastor Afolabi Hodonu and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu
Pastor Afolabi Hodonu and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis concealed in specially modified compartments of their vehicle.

The suspects, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry, and his 35-year-old wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, were apprehended on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border, Lagos.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the couple was intercepted during a search of their Honda Pilot SUV, where officers recovered blocks of highly potent skunk cannabis hidden in secret compartments. Babafemi revealed that the arrest was linked to a previous seizure on March 30, 2026, when a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, was caught transporting 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk through the same checkpoint. Subsequent investigations led to the pastor and his wife.

“The arrest of Pastor Hodonu and his wife is part of our ongoing intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers hiding behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or elaborate concealment methods,” Babafemi said.

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The NDLEA has simultaneously conducted several other operations across Nigeria, including:

  • Seizure of 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, hidden in tins of palm kernel extract bound for the UK, leading to multiple arrests, including syndicate leaders in Lagos.
  • Arrest of a female drug supplier in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu, with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado cannabis linked to bandit groups operating in the North East.
  • Recovery of 48,000 tramadol pills in Adamawa State and 1,378 kilograms of skunk in a warehouse in Edo State.
  • Arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Ibadan using her 11-year-old daughter to distribute drugs.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers for the successful operations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide regardless of the traffickers’ status.

The pastor and his wife are currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution as investigations continue. Authorities have warned that drug trafficking in Nigeria carries severe legal penalties and that no individual is above the law.

 

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

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Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

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Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega and former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has passed away in Abuja, officials confirmed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The news was announced by Bayero University Kano through its official social media channels.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega,” the statement read, expressing sorrow and prayers for her family.

 Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Ex INEC chairman Jega s wife dies in Abuja

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega

According to the university, her Janazah (funeral) prayer is scheduled to take place immediately after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, with burial proceedings to follow.

The institution prayed that Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, forgive her shortcomings, and give strength to her grieving family.

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The university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, also confirmed the death, urging the public to offer prayers and support to the Jega family.

“Yes, it’s true. May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her family patience to bear this loss,” he said.

Hajiya Hadiza was widely respected for her contributions to education, community service, and support for her family, especially in northern Nigeria.

Her death has drawn condolences from friends, colleagues, and public figures across the country, highlighting her influence and the respect she commanded in social and academic circles.

Her husband, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is a distinguished academic and public servant, known for his tenure as chairman of  INEC; president of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) and his contributions to national policy and governance.

The passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega marks a significant loss for both her family and the broader Nigerian academic and civic community, with funeral arrangements reflecting her standing and the high regard in which she was held.

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

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