The Federal Government has raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating health of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen currently facing trial in the Republic of Benin.
In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described the pastor’s medical condition as critical. Pastor Egbaji, a religious leader and businessman from Cross River State, has been detained for nearly two years in a hospital located in Cotonou, reportedly under harsh and inhumane conditions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally urged Beninese authorities to expedite Pastor Egbaji’s release, enabling him to access adequate medical care and, if necessary, serve the remainder of his sentence within Nigeria.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reiterated the government’s grave concern, citing reports from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Cotonou that confirm a steady decline in the pastor’s health. She emphasized that the ministry is vigorously engaging diplomatic avenues to facilitate his transfer, in line with President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the protection of Nigerians abroad.
“Our team in Cotonou has confirmed that Pastor Egbaji’s condition is worsening and demands urgent medical attention,” Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated. “We are steadfast in our efforts to secure his release, underscoring our administration’s commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerians overseas.”
During an official visit to Cotonou in August, the minister, alongside Benin’s Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari, met with Pastor Egbaji. Subsequently, Nigeria formally requested that the pastor be transferred to a medical facility in Nigeria for proper treatment.
Nonetheless, the minister expressed disappointment over the slow response from Beninese officials and urged them to hasten the process, highlighting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that unite the two nations.
Additionally, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria’s plea for Pastor Egbaji’s release has been reinforced through recent diplomatic correspondences addressed to the Government of the Republic of Benin.