The Federal Government has expressed serious concern regarding the declining health of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian currently facing trial in the Republic of Benin.
In a statement released on Monday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the government described the pastor’s condition as alarming. Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has been held for nearly two years in a hospital in Cotonou under reportedly harsh and degrading circumstances.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested that Beninese authorities allow Pastor Egbaji’s release so he can receive proper medical treatment. They have also proposed that, if necessary, he be permitted to complete his sentence within Nigeria.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reiterated the government’s deep concern, highlighting reports from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Cotonou which confirm the pastor’s health is deteriorating. She stressed that the ministry continues to engage in persistent diplomatic negotiations to facilitate his transfer, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s dedication to citizen diplomacy.
“Our mission in Cotonou has informed us that Pastor Egbaji’s medical condition is worsening and requires immediate intervention,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated. “We remain committed to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of Nigerians abroad and are actively pursuing his release.”
The minister, who visited Pastor Egbaji in Cotonou in August alongside Benin’s Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari, confirmed that Nigeria has officially requested the transfer of the detained pastor to a Nigerian medical facility for adequate care.
She expressed frustration over the slow pace of response from Beninese officials and called on them to accelerate the process, emphasizing the strong historical friendship and cultural bonds shared between Nigeria and Benin.
Furthermore, Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that Nigeria’s appeal for Pastor Egbaji’s release was reinforced through recent diplomatic communications addressed to the Government of the Republic of Benin.
