The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric who spent over two years in detention in Benin Republic. His freedom follows a presidential pardon granted by Benin’s President Patrice Talon, which was formally gazetted on December 17, 2025.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that the pastor was released on January 8, 2026, after sustained diplomatic efforts, including a personal visit to him in August 2025 when he was hospitalised. The minister highlighted that Egbaji had been detained under harsh conditions, and public concern over his well-being prompted urgent intervention by Nigerian authorities.

Officials said the pastor’s release reflects the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Following his release, Egbaji is reported to be in good spirits but requires medical attention to fully recover from his prolonged detention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also requested that any remaining obligations or sentences be served in Nigeria, citing humanitarian grounds.

Nigerians in the diaspora, including the Benin chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), praised the intervention. They commended President Tinubu, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Benin authorities for prioritising the welfare of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to support other Nigerians detained abroad.