The Federal Government has facilitated the release of a 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.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development on Thursday, following the grant of a presidential pardon by Benin Republic’s President, Patrice Talon.
The pardon, which led to Egbaji’s release on January 8, 2026, was formally gazetted on December 17, 2025.
A statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, said Egbaji, a cleric and businessman from Cross River State, had been facing multiple charges before his detention.
He was initially held at a hospital in Cotonou but was later transferred to prison as his health condition worsened.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the pastor’s release followed months of sustained diplomatic engagement by her office, including a personal visit to him while he was hospitalised in August 2025.
According to her, public outrage was heightened after a photograph showing Egbaji chained to a hospital bed circulated widely on social media, prompting urgent intervention by Nigerian authorities.
“This outcome reflects persistent and focused diplomatic efforts. We were alarmed by the circumstances of his detention and his declining health, and we pursued every available channel to secure his release and access to proper medical care,” the minister said.
She also attributed the breakthrough to President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy stance, noting that the administration places strong emphasis on the protection of Nigerians abroad under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is a clear demonstration of citizen diplomacy in action. The welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora remains a core priority of this administration,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu added.
The minister also disclosed that she spoke with Egbaji shortly after his release, describing him as being in good spirits but in need of comprehensive medical attention.
“He has endured a lot and will require proper medical care to fully recover,” she said.
Prior to his release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally appealed to Beninois authorities to allow Egbaji access to adequate treatment and, if necessary, to serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria.
The request followed a joint visit to the detained pastor by Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
In its correspondence, the ministry cited humanitarian considerations and the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Egbaji’s health, the ministry noted, had “deteriorated significantly” during his incarceration, adding that his release would further strengthen the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between both countries.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO,, Republic of Benin chapter, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, praised the minister’s intervention.
“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
“We also commend President Tinubu and encourage continued diplomatic efforts to support other Nigerians currently incarcerated outside the country,” he said.
