The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been in detention in the Republic of Benin for almost two years.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Magnus Eze, the government said the detained cleric from Cross River State was being held under dehumanising conditions in a Cotonou hospital where his health had continued to worsen.
“Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has been detained for about two years in a hospital in Cotonou under dehumanising conditions while his health continues to deteriorate,” the statement read.
Naija News reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Beninese authorities to release Pastor Egbaji immediately so that he can receive proper medical care and, if necessary, serve out his sentence in Nigeria under humane conditions.
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The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government was alarmed by the steady decline in Egbaji’s health and had taken diplomatic steps to ensure his transfer to Nigeria.
“Discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou indicate that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and that he needs urgent and proper medical attention,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
“The Ministry has made spirited efforts to rescue him in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Minister Decries Delay By Benin Authorities
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who visited Pastor Egbaji in Cotonou earlier in August alongside Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Bakari, disclosed that Nigeria had already requested his transfer for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
She, however, lamented the slow response of Benin’s government in addressing the issue and urged them to expedite action.
“Nigeria is worried over the slow pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to our request,” the minister stated.
She emphasised that the request was made in good faith, noting that both nations share a long history of friendly relations, cultural ties, and mutual respect.
“The longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, and brotherhood, should guide this humanitarian gesture,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further reinforced in a formal letter sent to the Government of Benin, reiterating its call for Egbaji’s release or transfer to Nigeria for adequate care.
She assured that the Ministry would continue diplomatic engagements until the matter is resolved in accordance with international human rights norms.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights and well-being of every Nigerian abroad. No citizen should be left to suffer in a foreign land without recourse to justice or medical attention,” she said.
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