The Federal Government has assured Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen currently imprisoned in the Republic of Benin, that efforts are ongoing to ensure he is not neglected.
Egbaji, who has spent over two years in detention, received the assurance during a visit by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu in Cotonou.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister.
Egbaji was arrested in May 2023 and subsequently convicted by a court in Benin.
He is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Reports revealed that his health has deteriorated, prompting occasional hospital admissions.
During the visit, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “I want to assure you that Nigeria has not forgotten you. Nigerians are aware of your case, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also aware. We are committed to the wellbeing of every Nigerian citizen; that is what citizen diplomacy stands for. That’s why we have come to see you.
“It is not a hopeless situation. We are committed to ensuring that due process is followed and that you are treated fairly. As a government, we are duty-bound to protect all Nigerians abroad. Your situation is being closely monitored.”
Egbaji was said to have become emotional during the visit, reportedly shedding tears as he spoke of his failing health.
The visit was also commended by the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Republic of Benin chapter, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, who described it as both timely and compassionate.
