The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has drawn attention to the worrying situation of a Nigerian pastor who is currently imprisoned in Benin over r@pe allegations.

Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, from Cross River State, has been held for the past two years under unclear circumstances and is now facing serious health problems.

Ms. Ojukwu, together with officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Nigeria Embassy, and the CDA, visited Egbaji at the Central National Hospital Universitaire in Benin.

She described the visit as deeply upsetting, noting that the pastor was still chained while receiving medical care. Upon seeing her, Egbaji broke down in tears.

During the visit, Ms. Ojukwu reassured him that the Nigerian government had not abandoned him and promised that every effort would be made to ensure justice is served.

The allegations against Pastor Egbaji were made by a Beninese citizen, Pede Victoire, who claimed that her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, had been r@ped by the pastor at the age of 13.

However, these claims were never formally reported, and no evidence was provided. Sarah herself later denied that any r@pe occurred.

The case is currently under appeal, and in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives, Nigeria is prioritizing the protection of its citizens abroad. The government is exploring all diplomatic avenues to ensure Pastor Egbaji receives fair treatment.

Ms. Ojukwu also expressed gratitude to the Benin government and Nigeria’s Foreign and Justice Ministries for facilitating their visit and allowing access to the pastor at short notice.