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Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has secured the release of a Nigerian cleric, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been imprisoned in the Republic of Benin amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health and treatment in custody.
Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and religious leader from Cross River State, regained his freedom on Thursday, following a presidential pardon granted by Beninois President Patrice Talon.
The pardon, which was gazetted in December 2025, came after months of sustained diplomatic engagement by Nigeria.
Egbaji had been in detention for more than two years after being accused of various offences. He was initially held in a hospital in Cotonou under conditions described by officials as degrading, before being transferred to a correctional facility. His situation attracted national attention after images showing him visibly ill and restrained to a hospital bed circulated widely, triggering public outrage and diplomatic intervention.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Magnus Eze, said the release was the outcome of persistent appeals by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including her visit to Egbaji at a Cotonou hospital last year alongside Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
She noted that Nigeria had repeatedly requested that the cleric be allowed to receive proper medical care or be transferred home to serve his sentence.
She attributed the success of the negotiations to President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on citizen diplomacy, noting that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a priority under the administration’s foreign policy framework. The approach, she explained, aligns with the Diaspora pillar of the government’s Four-Ds strategy—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development—under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister disclosed that she spoke with Pastor Egbaji shortly after his release and confirmed that he was in stable spirits, though still in need of medical attention. She added that the government would continue to support Nigerians facing legal or humanitarian challenges outside the country.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Benin Republic, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, commended Odumegwu-Ojukwu for what he described as her hands-on diplomacy and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad. He also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the safety and rights of Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued diplomatic efforts to assist citizens detained overseas.
The release of Pastor Egbaji has been welcomed by members of the Nigerian community in Benin, who described it as a strong demonstration of effective diplomacy and regional cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
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IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
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