The Nigerian government has secured the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been imprisoned in the Republic of Benin for over two years over alleged r@pe. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that the cleric, also a businessman from Cross River State, was freed on Thursday, January 8, following a presidential pardon by Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, formally gazetted on December 17, 2025.
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According to a statement by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister, Egbaji was initially held in a hospital in Cotonou before being moved to prison due to worsening health. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the release followed persistent diplomatic efforts, including a visit to the detained pastor in August 2025, and intervention after public outcry over a photograph showing him chained to a hospital bed.
“The release reflects consistent and determined diplomatic action. We were deeply concerned about his health and detention conditions, and ensured he received justice and medical care,” the minister stated, emphasizing the Nigerian government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens abroad. She also spoke with Egbaji by phone after his release, noting he was in good spirits but required medical attention.
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Earlier appeals to Beninois authorities sought either humanitarian release or repatriation to serve his sentence in Nigeria. Joint visits by Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, stressed both humanitarian concerns and the countries’ longstanding cordial relations, noting that Egbaji’s health had significantly deteriorated during detention.
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