The Federal Government has secured the release of a Nigerian pastor, Benjamin Egbaji, following a presidential pardon granted by President Patrice Talon. Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and religious leader from Cross River State, had been in detention for more than two years after being accused of various offences. He was initially held in a hospital in Cotonou under conditions described by officials as degrading, before being transferred to a correctional facility. His situation attracted national attention after images showing him chained to a hospital bed circulated widely, sparking public outrage and diplomatic intervention.
He regained his freedom on Thursday, following a presidential pardon granted by Benin's President Patrice Talon. Nigerias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed his release in a statement issued by her media aide, Dr Magnus Eze. According to her, the cleric spent over two years in detention as his health deteriorated before he was eventually transferred to prison custody. She explained that a gazetted presidential amnesty dated Dec. 17, 2025, provided the legal basis for securing his eventual release. This release is the result of consistent and determined diplomatic action. We were deeply concerned about his condition and the circumstances of his detention, and we took every necessary step to ensure he received justice and access to medical care, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. This diplomatic feat is a testament to President Tinubus commitment to citizen diplomacy. The diaspora component of our foreign policy places the welfare of Nigerians abroad at the centre of our engagements, she added. He is in high spirits, but he deserves proper medical care after all he has been through, she said..
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