A Nigerian Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women who sought his spiritual guidance.

According to TheCable, citing reporting from The Guardian, the Texas jury, made up of eight women and four men, found Odiong guilty on two counts of sexual assault following a trial that heard testimony from multiple victims.

Odiong, a priest of the Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, faces the possibility of life imprisonment on a first-degree charge and up to 20 years in prison on a second-degree charge.

The conviction follows his arrest in 2024 after several women accused him of sexual coercion, unwanted touching and abusive financial control during his assignments in Waco, Texas, and Luling, Louisiana. A Texas grand jury later indicted him on felony sexual assault charges.

Prosecutors told the court that Odiong presented himself as a trusted spiritual adviser to women experiencing personal difficulties. Investigators alleged that he exploited those relationships for sexual purposes.

One victim, identified in court as Mary Doe, testified that she entered into a sexual relationship with the priest while receiving spiritual direction during a difficult divorce. She told jurors that one of her children walked in on them having sex in her bedroom after a family gathering. The child also testified during the trial.

The court also heard evidence concerning another woman, referred to as Presley Jones, whom Odiong reportedly counselled while serving as pastor of St Anthony of Padua Church in Luling. Investigators presented DNA evidence that allegedly showed the priest fathered a child with the woman in 2023.

Another accuser testified that Odiong allegedly encouraged her to permit sexual acts by her abusive husband and later discuss the experience with him.

The verdict marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention in both the United States and Nigeria. Sentencing is expected at a later date.