CSOs urge Tinubu to secure release of Benjamin Egbaji

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu to deploy diplomatic means to secure the release of a Nigerian, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, being held by the authorities in the Benin Republic over alleged rape.

Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, the leader of the coalition and a member of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a news conference tagged ‘Injustice Prevails: Nigerian Pastor Falsely Accused and Unjustly Detained in Benin Republic.

“The pastor, who has been unjustly detained for nearly a year, is facing critical health challenges, and if the Nigerian government does not take proactive steps, he may die in detention.

“We call an SOS, #SAVE PASTOR BENJAMIN EGBAJI, a Nigerian citizen hailing from Cross River, finds himself languishing behind bars in the Republic of Benin.

“For over a year without trial in chains, even in the hospital,. He is being held under false, baseless, and spurious allegations while his health deteriorates rapidly.

“The accusations against Pastor Benjamin were made by Pede Victoire, a citizen of Benin. She claimed that Benjamin raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old,” he said.

He added, However, it is important to note that this claim was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.

“The situation took a surprising turn when Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.’’

Gabriel said that Egbaji was hypertensive, saying that his blood pressure had shot up to 254/136, prompting the medical director at Central National Hospital Universitare, Dr. Hubert Maga, to call for his release for a proper diagnosis.

He said all attempts to secure bail for the Nigerian had been fruitless, saying, however, that although the Nigerian Consular was able to visit him and wrote to the Federal Government on the matter,.

“Given the harrowing circumstances surrounding Pastor Benjamin’s case, it is imperative that the following urgent actions be taken:

“We appeal to the Nigerian Government, in the strongest possible terms, to utilise all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.

“It is crucial for the government to recognise the urgency of this matter and take swift action to prevent further violations of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom.

“Independent Investigation: We demand an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations made against Pastor Benjamin Egbaji,” he said.

He added: “The lack of evidence, coupled with Sarah’s own account refuting the claims, clearly demonstrates that the allegations are false and baseless. An impartial investigation will ensure that justice prevails and the truth is revealed.’’

He requested that Egbaji be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay, adding that failure to do so might lead to tragic consequences.

He also called for support for Egbaji, saying it was the government’s responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens abroad and ensure their safety and well-being.

“Preserving the principles of justice and upholding the innocence of Pastor Benjamin are essential to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary in any democratic nation, including the Republic of Benin.

“The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, along with our coalition of civil society organisations, remains committed to fighting for justice and the immediate release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.

“What we need now is for the President to give proper directives to the Foreign Affairs Ministry to do the needful and intervene swiftly before we lose somebody who is perceived to be innocent.

“Anybody that is accused is believed to be innocent until it is proven beyond reasonable doubt before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

Supreme News reports that Egbaji, who resides in Benin Republic, was accused of rape by one Mrs. Pede Victoire, who claimed that he raped her 25-year-old daughter when she was 13.

Egbaji was arrested in May 2023 and was in detention without trial.