Federal Govt moves to rescue ailing Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin Republic – details sparked diplomatic t£nsion

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Republic of Benin to release and repatriate Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric and businessman currently serving a 10-year sentence in Cotonou, over what it describes as “rapidly deteriorating health conditions.”

Egbaji, from Cross River State, was arrested in May 2023 following a rape allegation by a Beninese national, Pede Victoire, and has been held in a hospital facility since his detention.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed deep concern for his health, urging Benin authorities to allow him to return home for urgent medical attention and to serve the rest of his sentence in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by her aide, Magnus Eze, the minister said the appeal aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises citizen diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation.

“Nigeria has expressed concern over the failing health of its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, currently facing trial in the Republic of Benin. We have called on the Benin authorities to release him so that he could receive better medical care and continue his sentence in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that she personally visited Egbaji in Cotonou in August 2025, alongside Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Bakari, during which she formally requested his transfer on humanitarian grounds.

She noted that two independent medical experts appointed by the Beninese court had recommended that Egbaji be moved abroad for treatment after local interventions failed.

“His health has deteriorated severely while in detention. It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that we appeal for his repatriation to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian correctional centre,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

Egbaji, who has lived in Benin for over three decades, was described as a respected pastor, entrepreneur, and community leader, with a long history of contributions to local development.

The Federal Government said it remains hopeful that the Beninese authorities will grant the request in the spirit of bilateral friendship and humanitarian cooperation between both nations.