The Federal Government has successfully negotiated the release of Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian clergyman who endured more than two years of detention in the Republic of Benin under conditions officials characterized as severe and inhumane.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, announced the development on Thursday, revealing that Mr. Egbaji’s freedom came through a presidential pardon granted by Beninese President Patrice Talon.
The pardon was officially gazetted on December 17, 2025, with the pastor’s actual release occurring on January 8, 2026.
In a statement released from Abuja through her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister provided details of the case.
Mr. Egbaji, who hails from Cross River State and combines pastoral work with business activities, had been facing several charges before his detention.
His confinement began at a Cotonou hospital before prison authorities transferred him despite his deteriorating physical condition.
The minister disclosed that her office mounted sustained diplomatic pressure over several months, including a personal visit to the detained pastor during his hospital stay in August 2025.
The case gained significant public attention after images emerged on social media platforms showing Mr. Egbaji shackled to his hospital bed, triggering immediate action from Nigerian diplomatic channels.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the successful outcome stemmed from deliberate and continuous diplomatic engagement.
She noted that officials grew increasingly concerned about both the circumstances surrounding his detention and his worsening health status, leading them to explore all possible diplomatic avenues to secure his release and ensure access to appropriate medical treatment.
The minister credited President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy framework, particularly its emphasis on protecting Nigerian citizens residing abroad under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She described the development as a practical expression of citizen-focused diplomacy, stressing that the welfare of Nigerians in foreign countries remains central to government policy.
Following his release, the minister spoke directly with Mr. Egbaji, reporting that while his morale appeared positive, he requires extensive medical intervention.
She acknowledged the severity of his ordeal and the comprehensive healthcare support necessary for his full recovery.
Before the pardon materialized, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had submitted formal requests to Beninese authorities seeking permission for Mr. Egbaji to receive adequate medical care and, alternatively, to complete any remaining sentence on Nigerian soil.
The appeal followed a joint visit to the detained pastor by Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu and her Beninese counterpart, Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
In its official communication, the ministry invoked humanitarian grounds and the historically strong bilateral relationship between both nations.
Officials emphasized that Mr. Egbaji’s health had declined substantially during imprisonment, arguing that his release would reinforce the cooperative spirit and fraternal bonds connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic.
The development drew commendation from Alhaji Mohammad Munir, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation for the Republic of Benin chapter.
He praised the minister’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and extended appreciation to President Tinubu, while urging sustained diplomatic initiatives to assist other Nigerians currently imprisoned in foreign jurisdictions.
