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

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