Priest Arrested For Sex Assault, Imprisoning Woman

CBS 4, New Hampshire/September 15, 2006

Manchester -- A priest serving in the Manchester, N.H. diocese is accused of sexually and physically assaulting a 27-year-old woman and holding her against her will over the past 11 months.

40-year-old Rev. John Lawani turned himself in to Manchester Police on Thursday. The woman went to police and claimed the alleged incidents have been taking place since October.

Lawani is charged with two counts of sexual assault, five counts of simple assault and two counts of false imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday morning in Manchester District Court.

"I think the allegations are outrageous. We are going to defend them vigorously," said defense attorney, John Kacavas.

Lawani is a priest with the Diocese of Ilorin, Nigeria. He started serving as a chaplain at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester in October. He has been placed on leave.