By John Umeh
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has paid a solidarity visit to Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen from Cross River State who has spent almost two years in detention in the Republic of Benin on rape allegations.
The visit, which took place at the Central National Hospital in Cotonou, was carried out alongside officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy, and representatives of the Community Development Association (CDA). It followed a petition to the Nigerian government over concerns about the pastor’s health and welfare.
Ojukwu described the pastor’s condition as heartbreaking, recounting how he broke down in tears upon seeing her.
“I was deeply shaken by the sight that confronted me. He was in chains even in the hospital ward, and his frail condition was distressing,” she said.
Controversial Allegations and Legal Battle
Pastor Egbaji was accused by Pede Victoire of raping her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was 13 years old. However, the case has raised serious questions, as no official complaint was filed at the time of the alleged incident, and no evidence has been presented in court.
In a surprising twist, the alleged victim later came forward to deny the claims, further complicating the matter. The case is currently under appeal in Benin.
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Stand
Ojukwu reaffirmed that the Nigerian government will not abandon its citizens abroad, stressing that citizen diplomacy is a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy.
“The President has directed that the welfare of Nigerian nationals in distress abroad must be given top priority. We are committed to pursuing every available diplomatic and legal channel to ensure justice in Pastor Egbaji’s case,” she assured.
She also expressed gratitude to Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice for their cooperation and for granting Nigerian officials access to the detained pastor.
Protecting Nigerians Abroad
The visit highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens facing legal or humanitarian challenges in foreign countries. Ojukwu’s intervention is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and ensure that nationals in distress are not left without support.
