According to Nivo News, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has raised concerns over the continued detention of a Nigerian pastor in the Benin Republic under questionable circumstances. The clergyman, identified as Benjamin Egbaji from Cross River State, has reportedly been imprisoned for two years on allegations of rape.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued via her X handle, Ojukwu disclosed that she visited Egbaji at the Central National Hospital Universitaire in Cotonou, accompanied by officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Chargé d’Affaires, and staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Benin. She described being shocked by his condition, revealing that he was chained even while receiving medical treatment.

“I was shaken by the sight that confronted me as I walked into the hospital ward in Cotonou, where he is presently receiving treatment. He was in chains, and upon seeing me, he broke down in tears,” Ojukwu wrote.

The Minister assured Egbaji that the Nigerian government would not abandon him, stressing that efforts are underway to secure justice in his case.

Ojukwu explained that the accusations against the pastor were brought by a Beninese citizen, Pede Victoire, who alleged that Egbaji raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was 13. However, she noted that no formal report or evidence had been presented, and the alleged victim herself later refuted the claim. The case is currently on appeal.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, Ojukwu reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the welfare of citizens in distress overseas must remain a top priority. She added that the government is exploring all diplomatic channels to ensure justice prevails, while appreciating the cooperation of Beninese authorities in granting access to the detained pastor.