The Federal Government has secured the release of Nigerian pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who spent over two years in detention in the Republic of Benin under what officials described as harsh and degrading conditions. His release followed a presidential pardon granted by Benin’s President, Patrice Talon. The pardon, formally gazetted on December 17, 2025, led to Egbaji’s release on January 8, 2026.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development, noting that Egbaji, a cleric and businessman from Cross River State, had faced multiple charges before his detention. He was initially held at a hospital in Cotonou but was later transferred to prison as his health deteriorated. The minister highlighted that public outrage intensified after a widely circulated photo showed Egbaji chained to a hospital bed, prompting urgent intervention by Nigerian authorities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu credited the pastor’s release to sustained diplomatic engagement, including a personal visit during his hospitalisation in August 2025, and President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy emphasis on protecting Nigerians abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She described Egbaji as being in good spirits but in need of comprehensive medical care.
Prior to the release, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally appealed to Beninese authorities for adequate treatment and, if necessary, for Egbaji to serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria. The ministry cited humanitarian concerns and the long-standing cordial relations between the two countries.
Alhaji Mohammad Munir, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin chapter, praised the minister’s efforts and encouraged continued diplomatic support for other Nigerians incarcerated abroad.
This development underscores Nigeria’s commitment to citizen diplomacy and the protection of its nationals overseas.