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.

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