NIGERIAN PASTOR FALSELY ACCUSED AND UNJUSTLY DETAINED IN BENIN REPUBLIC CRIES OUT FOR HELP

By Chinedu Echianu

 The alarming number of Nigerians languishing in prisons and detention centres across the world was once again brought to the fore as one Pastor Benjamin Egbaji an indigene of Cross River state resident in Benin Republic, has cried out for help following what civil society groups have described as unfounded, baseless and false allegations of rape against him which led to his detention for over a year without trial.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Director General of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu led a coalition of civil society groups who are appealing to the Federal Government to deploy all diplomatic means at its disposal to ensure the release of Pastor Egbaji. “The accusations against Pastor Benjamin were made by Pede Victoire, a citizen of Benin Republic.

 She claimed that Pastor Benjamin had raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old. 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” Nwambu said at the press briefing. According to him, the situation took a surprising turn when Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.

Speaking further he said Pastor Benjamin is a hypertensive patient whose blood pressure had shot up to as high as 254/136 prompting the Medical Director in Central National Hospital Universitare, Hubert K. Maga to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within two weeks might suffer tragic consequences.

 “Attempts to secure bail for the Nigerian Pastor, Benjamin Egbaji has hit the bricks because the Nigerian Government is yet to do the needful to save this Nigerian in dire and urgent need of medical attention and justice.

 Although the Head of the Nigerian Consular in the Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the Pastor where he is being held in custody and has sent a note verbal to the Nigerian Government to authorize them to engage with the government of Benin to secure his immediate release, but the requisite response is yet to be activated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” Nwambu stated.

Using the Hashtag #SAVEPASTORBENJAMINEGBAJI, the civil society coalition issued a five point demand to the federal government one of which is the setting up of an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations levelled against Pastor Benjamin, who is keen to prove his innocence.

Others are international diplomatic pressure on the government of the French speaking West African country to release Pastor Benjamin on bail and the provision of medical attention for him before it is too late.