FG urges immediate evacuation of ill Nigerian pastor held in Benin

The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the worsening health condition of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been held in detention in the Republic of Benin for nearly two years.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, said the cleric from Cross River State was being kept under dehumanising conditions in a Cotonou hospital, where his health continues to deteriorate.

“Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has been detained for about two years in a hospital in Cotonou under dehumanising conditions while his health continues to worsen,” the statement read.

According to Naija News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to the Beninese authorities to release Pastor Egbaji immediately to enable him to receive proper medical care. The ministry also requested that, if necessary, he be allowed to serve any outstanding sentence in Nigeria under humane conditions.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government was alarmed by the steady decline in Pastor Egbaji’s health and had initiated diplomatic steps to ensure his transfer to Nigeria.

“Discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou indicate that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and that he needs urgent and proper medical attention,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

“The Ministry has made spirited efforts to rescue him in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Minister Decries Delay by Benin Authorities

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who visited Pastor Egbaji in Cotonou in August alongside Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Bakari, revealed that Nigeria had formally requested his transfer for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

She, however, lamented the slow response of the Beninese government and urged them to expedite action on the matter.

“Nigeria is worried about the slow pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to our request,” the minister stated.

She emphasised that the request was made in good faith, stressing that both countries share a long history of friendship, cultural ties, and mutual respect.

“The longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin—founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, and brotherhood—should guide this humanitarian gesture,” she added.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s position had been reinforced in a formal letter to the Beninese government, reiterating its call for Pastor Egbaji’s release or transfer for adequate medical care.

She assured that the Ministry would continue its diplomatic efforts until the matter is resolved in line with international human rights standards.

“We remain committed to protecting the rights and well-being of every Nigerian abroad. No citizen should be left to suffer in a foreign land without recourse to justice or medical attention,” she concluded