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TRENDING VIDEO! Nigerian pastor Egbaji detained in Benin Republic over alleged rape without trial
A video clip showing a Nigerian pastor Benjamin Egbaji detained in Republic of Benin over pumped up charges has emerged online.
The video showing the pastor detained for over one year without adequate treatment and trial over alleged rape of a 13-year-old-girl 12years ago.
A coalition of 25 CSOs on Thursday addressed journalists in Abuja giving vivid details of what has transpired. Read statement below 👇
A coalition of 25 CSOs led by the Director General of Centre For Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr Gabriel Nwambu stating that:
The essence of the entire briefing is humanitarian as the life of a Nigerian is involved and the case of Pastor Egbaji is pathetic as his health has detoriatted.
Nwambi in the statement entitled:’Injustice Prevails: Nigerian Pastor Falsely Accused and Unjustly Detained in Benin Republic explained that:
“In a shocking display of injustice and what 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 the Republic of Benin. 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.
“The situation took a surprising turn when Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.
“As a hypertensive patient, his blood pressure has shot up to 254/136 prompting the medical director in Central National Hospital Universitare Hubert K. Maga (pictures and video available for the press) to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within a forth night, something more tragic might happen to his patient.
“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 a dare and urgent need for medical attention and justice. Although, the head of the Nigerian Consular, Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the pastor where he is been 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.
“Consequently, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, urgently calls for immediate action to ensure justice is served and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji is released from unjust and harrowing detention in the Republic of Benin.
“Given the harrowing circumstances surrounding Pastor Benjamin’s case, it is imperative that the following urgent actions be taken:
1. The Federal Government of Nigeria’s Intervention: We appeal to the Nigerian Government, in the strongest possible terms, to utilize all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is crucial for the Government to recognize the urgency of this matter and take swift action to prevent further violation of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom.
2. International Diplomatic Pressure: We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to directly intervene and exert International diplomatic pressure on the Republic of Benin to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is imperative that President Tinubu understands the gravity of this situation and utilizes his influence to facilitate Pastor Benjamin’s immediate release.
3. Independent Investigation: We demand an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations made against Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. 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.
4. Medical Attention: We urgently request that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay. His deteriorating health condition, particularly as a hypertensive patient with a dangerously high blood pressure reading, necessitates immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Failure to do so within the next fourteen days could lead to tragic consequences.
5. Support from the Nigerian Government: We implore the Nigerian government to provide unwavering support and assistance in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is 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 maintain 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 organizations, remains committed to fighting for justice and the immediate release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. We urge the Nigerian government to act swiftly and decisively, utilizing all resources at their disposal to rectify this grave injustice.
“We sincerely hope that our plea for urgent intervention will be met with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, ensuring that justice is not delayed, and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji’s rights and well-being are restored.
#SAVE PASTOR BENJAMIN EGBAJI
Thank you.
…insists on spending N7BN he had budgeted for the SUV before removal
A fresh palaver has erupted in the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has taken legal action against his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over her approval of N5 billion for the purchase of 40 luxury SUVs for lawmakers during her brief tenure as Speaker.
Before his impeachment, Mr. Obasa had reportedly planned a N7 billion budget for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs—40 for lawmakers, one for the house clerk, and four for himself and his two wives.
However, Ms. Meranda’s decision to approve the purchase of Land Cruisers instead of Fortuner SUVs disrupted his original plan, leading to mounting tensions in the assembly.
“Obasa had his own plans for purchasing vehicles before his removal,” a source revealed. “Now that he’s back, he wants the ₦5 billion returned so he can execute his initial plan, but the lawmakers are refusing to give up their newly acquired SUVs.”
The development has triggered resistance among lawmakers, many of whom opposed Mr. Obasa’s return as Speaker.
They are reportedly standing firm against his demand to return the Land Cruisers in exchange for the Fortuner SUVs he initially intended to buy.
“Mr. Speaker is not letting this matter go and has ordered Meranda and the lawmakers to return the Land Cruisers,” another source stated. “But they are all refusing because they prefer the latest model over the 2020 Fortuner SUVs Obasa had planned to buy.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains embroiled in controversy, raising concerns about leadership disputes and financial accountability within the legislative body.
Lagos Reporters will continue to provide updates on this unfolding political drama.
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A video clip trending on the social media network shows tearful Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reporting the Nigerian Senate over her unusual suspension.
It’s the first of its kind in the Nigerian legislature where the voice of a whole constituency will be silenced for six months.
Akpabio and his men used a sledgehammer to kill a fly.
WATCH
The new judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja who is to handle the treason trial of self-acclaimed leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, may issue hearing notices to the parties in the case before the week runs out.
The Nation learnt that the case has now been re-assigned by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice James Omotosho.
It was not clear last night if the case file had been transmitted to the new judge’s court.
Hearing notices and other relevant information could only be communicated to the parties after the new court would have received the case file, a source told our correspondent.
Also, the court’s Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, has faulted reports that the new judge, to whom Kanu’s trial has been assigned, has withdrawn from handling it.
In a statement yesterday, Hassan described the report as false and misleading.
The statement reads: “The court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable the Chief Judge, the Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest.
“This claim is entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, damaging in intent and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“The true position is that the Honourable Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as the Chief Judge, has reassigned Nnamdi Kanu’s case from Honourable Justice Binta Nyako to another (‘new’) judge.
“The report referred to is, therefore, totally spurious.
“The defence team should hence prepare to receive instructions regarding the case, as may be issued by the new judge.
“The Federal High Court strongly cautions against deliberate misinformation to mislead the public and erode confidence in the judicial system.
“We urge the general public to be wary and rely only on verified information from official court sources.
“The court remains steadfast in upholding justice through due process of the law.
“Any further enquiries should be directed to the court’s Information Department.”
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