In a strong reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to citizen diplomacy, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited a Nigerian pastor, Benjamin Egbaji, who has been incarcerated in the Republic of Benin for over two years.
Pastor Egbaji, originally from Cross River State, has lived in the Republic of Benin for more than 30 years. A real estate entrepreneur and cleric, he was arrested on May 17, 2023, over allegations of raping a 13-year-old girl, Bright Sarah Karls, in 2011. He was convicted on July 24, 2024, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The court also ordered him to pay $3,300 each to the alleged victim and the Benin National Institute for Women Affairs.
Speaking during her visit to Pastor Egbaji on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the National Teaching Hospital in Cotonou where he is currently receiving treatment, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured him that the Nigerian government is closely monitoring his case.
“I want to assure you that Nigeria hasn’t forgotten you. Nigerians are aware of your case. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware. We are committed to the wellbeing of every Nigerian that’s what citizen diplomacy is all about,” the Minister said.
She emphasized that Egbaji’s situation aligns with the core tenets of the “4-Ds” foreign policy approach under the Renewed Hope Agenda — Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development with citizen protection at the heart of Nigeria’s global engagement.
Overcome with emotion, Egbaji broke down in tears as he listened to the Minister’s words of encouragement. He expressed concern about his declining health, pointing to his persistently high blood pressure readings.
Egbaji’s legal ordeal is linked to a fallout with a former church member, Victoire Pede, who he claimed falsely accused him of sexual misconduct after he refused to pursue a romantic relationship with her. Though he was initially cleared of her allegations in court with the Nigerian Embassy providing consular support during the proceedings he was re-arrested immediately after the judgment on a fresh rape charge brought forward by the same woman.
After his rearrest and detention at Akpro-Misserete Prison, his health deteriorated, and he was later transferred to the National Teaching Hospital (CNHU) in Cotonou.
Despite consistent interventions by the Nigerian Embassy and other diplomatic channels in Benin Republic, efforts to secure his release have so far yielded no results. His case is currently at the appeal stage.
Reacting to the visit, the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin Republic chapter, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, praised Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu for her compassion and timely visit.
“This visit shows the Nigerian government’s unwavering concern for its citizens abroad. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora. We commend President Tinubu and urge that more diplomatic measures be explored to protect innocent Nigerians facing harsh conditions in foreign prisons,” Munir stated.
The Minister’s visit has renewed hope for a man who feels forgotten, reinforcing Nigeria’s promise that no citizen will be left behind, regardless of where they are in the world.
