Following a petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about a Nigerian National, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, from Cross River State, who has been imprisoned for the past two years in the Republic of Benin on charges of rape, the Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, paid him a visit at the Central National Hospital Universitaire, Benin Republic with a team, as well as the hard working CDA and officers of the Nigeria Embassy in the Republic of Benin.

The pastor, who has been detained under unclear circumstances for close to two years, is facing critical health challenges.

"I was shaken by the sight that confronted me as I walked into the hospital ward in Cotonou, where he is presently receiving treatment. He was in chains even in the hospital, and upon seeing me, he broke down in tears.

"'Your Country has not abandoned you,' I reassured him. Your government is committed to ensuring that justice is done in this matter," Ojukwu said in a statement on Thursday.

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

Ojukwu stated that the claim, however, 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. The matter is presently on appeal.

Ojukwu said, "Citizen Diplomacy is at the core of the foreign policy thrust of this Administration. The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mandated that the interests and welfare of Nigerian nationals in distress, wherever they may be, outside the shores of their homeland, must be given top priority.

"Consequently, the government is exploring all options and utilising all diplomatic ties and channels available to ensure that justice is done in the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.

"We also extend our thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Benin Republic, who accompanied us on the visit, as well as the Minister for Justice and the Government of Benin for the kind courtesies extended to our delegation by facilitating this access to Pastor Benjamin Egbaji on such short notice."

ASA