Nigerian Pastor Benjamin Egbaji Freed After 2 Years

The Nigerian government has secured the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a cleric and businessman from Cross River State, who spent over two years in detention in the Republic of Benin. According to Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Egbaji’s release was facilitated by a presidential pardon granted by Benin Republic’s President, Patrice Talon, on December 17, 2025. The pardon was officially gazetted, leading to Egbaji’s release on January 8, 2026.

Egbaji had been facing multiple charges before his detention and was initially held at a hospital in Cotonou due to his poor health. However, as his condition worsened, he was transferred to prison. The minister’s office had been engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts to secure Egbaji’s release, including a personal visit by Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the hospitalized pastor in August 2025.

The release of Egbaji follows public outrage over a photograph showing him chained to a hospital bed, which circulated widely on social media. This prompted urgent intervention by Nigerian authorities, with the minister’s office pursuing every available channel to secure his release and access to proper medical care. Odumegwu-Ojukwu attributed the breakthrough to President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy stance, which places strong emphasis on the protection of Nigerians abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally appealed to Beninois authorities to allow Egbaji access to adequate treatment and, if necessary, to serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria. The request was made due to humanitarian considerations and the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Egbaji’s health had deteriorated significantly during his incarceration, and his release is expected to further strengthen the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between both countries.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, praised the minister’s intervention, commending her dedication to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad. The release of Egbaji is seen as a significant development in the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, with the government reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of its citizens worldwide. The minister has spoken with Egbaji since his release, describing him as being in good spirits but in need of comprehensive medical attention to fully recover from his ordeal.