The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is calling attention to the “sad case” of a Nigerian pastor imprisoned in Benin Republic on rape charges.
According to Ms. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, from Cross River State, has been imprisoned for the past two years in the Republic of Benin.
She added that Egbaji “is being detained under unclear circumstances” and is now facing critical health challenges.
She said she visited Egbaji at the Central National Hospital Universitaire, Benin Republic with a team from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as the CDA and officers of the Nigeria Embassy in the Republic of Benin.
“I was shaken by the sight that confronted me as I walked into the hospital ward in Cotonou where he is presently receiving treatment,” Ms. Ojukwu wrote. “He was in chains even in the hospital, and upon seeing me, he broke down in tears.”
Ms Ojukwu assured Egbaji that the Nigerian government would intervene in his case.
She wrote: “‘Your Country has not abandoned you’, I reassured him. Your government is committed to ensuring that justice is done in this matter.”
Narrating what led to his imprisonment, Ms. Ojukuw wrote: “The accusations against Pastor Benjamin were made by Pede Victoire, a citizen of Benin who claimed that Benjamin has raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old.
“This claim, however, was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.
“The situation took a surprising turn when Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.
“The matter is presently on appeal.
“Citizen Diplomacy is at the core of the foreign policy thrust of this Administration. The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated that the interests and welfare Nigerian nationals in distress, wherever they may be, outside the shores of their homeland must be given top priority.
“Consequently, the government is exploring all options and utilising all diplomatic ties and channels available to ensure that justice is done in the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.
“We also extend our thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Justice and the Government of Benin for the kind courtesies extended to our delegation by facilitating this access to Pastor Benjamin Egbaji within such short notice.”
