The Nigerian government has raised urgent concerns over the condition of a Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji from Cross River State, who has been detained in the Republic of Benin under questionable circumstances for nearly two years.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this during an official visit to Cotonou, where she met with Egbaji at the Central National Hospital Universitaire. The cleric, who has been accused of rape, was found chained to a hospital bed despite battling life-threatening health complications.
Egbaji was arrested in May 2023 after a Beninese woman, Mrs. Pede Victoire, alleged that he raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was 13 years old. However, the case took a surprising twist when Sarah herself came forward to deny the rape allegation. Despite this, the pastor has remained behind bars without conclusive evidence being presented against him.
According to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Pastor Egbaji’s medical condition has worsened significantly during his detention.
The cleric, who suffers from hypertension, reportedly recorded a dangerously high blood pressure level of 254/136. Medical authorities at the hospital have warned that his life is at risk unless he is granted immediate release for proper treatment.
“I was shaken by the sight that confronted me as I walked into the hospital ward in Cotonou,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
“He was in chains even in the hospital, and upon seeing me, he broke down in tears. I assured him that Nigeria has not abandoned him, and the government is committed to ensuring justice in his case.”
She confirmed that the visit was made possible through the cooperation of Benin Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice, who facilitated swift access for the Nigerian delegation.
The minister further explained that the case is currently on appeal and stressed that Nigeria is exploring every diplomatic channel available to secure justice for the embattled pastor.
“The accusations were never formally reported, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate them,” she noted, adding that the Nigerian government will continue to engage Benin Republic’s authorities until a fair resolution is reached.
Pastor Egbaji’s case has drawn renewed attention to the plight of Nigerians abroad facing legal challenges under unclear circumstances. The government has reassured his family and the public that it will not relent until his health and legal rights are fully safeguarded.
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