The Nigerian government has secured the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been imprisoned in the Republic of Benin for over two years on rape allegations. His release came through a presidential pardon granted by Benin’s President Patrice Talon.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the pastor’s freedom on Thursday, January 8, 2026. She stated that persistent diplomatic efforts, including her own visit to the detained pastor in August 2025 and subsequent high-level interventions, were key to securing his release.
Pastor Egbaji, a businessman from Cross River State, was initially held in a Cotonou hospital before being moved to prison as his health worsened. His case gained public attention after a photograph showing him chained to a hospital bed circulated, prompting an outcry.
The minister emphasized that the Nigerian government’s consistent diplomatic pressure, which stressed both humanitarian concerns and the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, ultimately led to justice. She noted that she spoke with Egbaji after his release and that while he is in good spirits, he requires ongoing medical attention.
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