The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has raised serious concerns over the condition of a Nigerian pastor, Benjamin Egbaji from Cross River State, who has been detained under questionable circumstances in the Republic of Benin for almost two years.
Egbaji, who had been residing in Benin Republic, was accused of raping one Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah when she was 13 years old. The allegation came from her mother, Mrs. Pede Victoire, who insisted the clergyman committed the act.
He was arrested in May 2023 and has remained in custody since then. However, Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that the case took an unexpected twist when Sarah herself came forward to deny the claim that she was raped by Pastor Egbaji.
The minister disclosed that the pastor, who suffers from hypertension, recently experienced a dangerous rise in blood pressure, reportedly reaching 254/136. This development prompted the Medical Director of the Central National Hospital Universitaire, Hubert K. Maga, to warn that if he is not released for proper medical attention within two weeks, his condition could deteriorate fatally.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who visited the cleric at the hospital in Cotonou along with officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassy staff, described the sight she met as deeply distressing and emotionally painful.
According to her, Pastor Benjamin was found chained to his hospital bed despite being in a ward for critical treatment.
“I was devastated by the sight that greeted me as I entered the ward where he was receiving treatment in Cotonou,” she said.
“He was shackled even in the hospital, and the moment he saw me, he broke down in tears.”
The minister said she reassured the pastor, telling him, “Your country has not abandoned you. The Nigerian government is committed to ensuring justice in this matter.”
She further explained that the visit was made possible through the cooperation of Benin Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice, who swiftly granted the Nigerian delegation access to the ailing detainee.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated: “Following a petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Pastor Benjamin Egbaji from Cross River State, who has been imprisoned in Benin Republic for nearly two years on allegations of rape, I visited the Central National Hospital Universitaire with a delegation that included senior ministry officials, the CDA, and staff of our embassy in Cotonou.”
She stressed that the cleric, who has been held under unclear circumstances, is currently battling severe health complications.
“The accusations against him were raised by a Beninese woman, Mrs. Victoire, who alleged that he raped her daughter when she was 13 years old. Yet, the matter was never formally reported, nor has any credible evidence been produced to back up the claims,” she added.
According to the minister, the case is currently under appeal.
“Therefore, the Nigerian government is considering every available option and exploring all diplomatic channels to ensure justice is served in Pastor Egbaji’s case,” she noted.
“We also appreciate the Benin Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, and their government for the courtesies extended to us and for facilitating our access to Pastor Benjamin at such short notice.”
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