The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully facilitated the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric and businessman from Cross River State, who had spent over two years in detention in the Republic of Benin under harsh conditions. His release on January 8, 2026, followed 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 Egbaji’s release resulted from months of sustained diplomatic engagement, including a personal visit to him while he was hospitalised in August 2025. His detention, which worsened his health, had attracted public outrage after a widely circulated photograph showed him chained to a hospital bed.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that the outcome reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that Egbaji is now in good spirits but requires comprehensive medical attention to recover fully from the conditions endured during his incarceration.

The move has been praised by Nigerians in the diaspora, including Alhaji Mohammad Munir, Chairman of the NIDO Republic of Benin chapter, who commended the minister’s dedication and urged continued diplomatic support for other Nigerians detained overseas. The release also underscores the strong cooperative relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.