The Federal Government has secured the release of a Nigerian pastor, Benjamin Egbaji, who was detained and jailed in the Republic of Benin for over two years under what officials described as dehumanising conditions.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, was accused of multiple offences in Benin Republic. He was initially held in a hospital in Cotonou before being transferred to prison as his health deteriorated.
Benin Republic Presidential Pardon
According to the statement, Egbaji was released on Thursday, January 8, following a presidential pardon granted by Benin Republic’s President, Patrice Talon. The amnesty had earlier been gazetted on December 17, 2025.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the pardon was the result of sustained diplomatic engagement by her office, including an official visit to the pastor while he was hospitalised in August 2025.
She noted that a widely circulated photograph showing Egbaji chained to a hospital bed had triggered public outrage in Nigeria and intensified diplomatic pressure on Beninois authorities.
“This release is the result of consistent and determined diplomatic action. We were deeply concerned by his condition and the circumstances of his detention, and we took every necessary step to ensure he received justice and access to medical care,” the minister said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that she spoke with Egbaji shortly after his release and said arrangements were being considered to ensure he receives proper medical care.
