Chained in Hospital: FG Moves To Rescue Pastor Egbaji in Cotonou Prison

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has raised concern over the detention of a Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been imprisoned in the Republic of Benin for two years on rape charges.

Ojukwu, in a statement on her social media handles, described the case as “a sad one,” stressing that the Federal Government will urgently pursue justice through diplomatic channels.

She disclosed that Egbaji, a native of Cross River State, is facing critical health challenges and was found chained to a hospital bed during her visit to the Central National Hospital Universitaire in Cotonou alongside officials of the ministry and the Nigerian Embassy.

“I was shaken by the sight that confronted me as I walked into the hospital ward in Cotonou where he is presently receiving treatment. He was in chains even in the hospital, and upon seeing me, he broke down in tears,” she said.

The Minister reassured the embattled pastor: “Your country has not abandoned you. The Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring that justice is done in this matter.”

Recounting the allegations that led to his incarceration, Ojukwu revealed that Egbaji was accused by one Pede Victoire, a Beninese citizen, who claimed that he raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was 13. However, she noted that the allegation was never officially reported, and no evidence was presented to substantiate the charge.

“In a surprising twist, Sarah herself came forward to refute the allegation of rape. The matter is presently on appeal,” Ojukwu explained.

She emphasized that citizen diplomacy is a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy, pledging that all diplomatic ties and legal channels will be explored to ensure justice.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Beninese authorities for granting her delegation access to Egbaji at short notice.

Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read Full Story…