Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the nephew of Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement of public funds.
The former head of the National Financial Investigation Agency was found guilty by the Bioko Provincial Tribunal on August 26, alongside several senior government officials. According to the court, Engonga and his co-defendants diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for state use and channeled the money into personal accounts.
Convictions and Fines
Engonga, who once held a powerful position investigating financial crimes such as money laundering, was convicted of:
- Embezzlement of public funds
- Abuse of office
- Misappropriation of state resources
The tribunal also ordered him to pay a fine of $220,000. Three other former directors general – Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, Baltasar Ebang Engonga Alú, and Rubén Félix Osá Nzang – received similar sentences of eight years in prison each.
Meanwhile, other officials, including Rolando Asumu Ndong Oyé, Carmelo Julio Motogo Ndong, and Florentina Ngangá Iñandji, were convicted as accomplices. They received three-year prison sentences and fines ranging from 16 to 31 million CFA francs.
Scandal and Downfall
Engonga’s political downfall began in 2024 when explicit sex tapes involving him and more than 400 women surfaced online. Many of the women were reportedly partners and relatives of powerful figures in Equatorial Guinea.
The scandal led to his suspension from office, and shortly after, he was arrested on corruption charges. Authorities accused him of siphoning state funds and hiding them in offshore accounts, including in the Cayman Islands.
Though Engonga never publicly responded to the corruption allegations, analysts believe the leaks and prosecution were designed to end his political ambitions. Many observers had speculated that he might position himself as a potential successor to President Obiang, the world’s longest-serving leader who has been in power since 1979.
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, the court emphasized that the crimes caused serious damage to the country’s finances, despite Equatorial Guinea being one of Africa’s oil-rich nations.
In addition to prison terms, the convicted officials must collectively repay millions to the state treasury.
Background
Engonga, also known by the nickname “Bello” for his looks, was once seen as an influential figure within government circles. Instead, he now finds himself in the notorious Black Beach Prison in Malabo, where many political and corruption cases are handled.
The leaked videos – allegedly released after security services seized his electronic devices – remain unverified but played a major role in shaping public opinion against him.
Wider Implications
This case is one of the most high-profile corruption trials in Equatorial Guinea in recent years. It highlights ongoing struggles with governance and accountability in the country, despite its vast oil wealth.
Observers say the prosecution also reflects power struggles within the ruling elite, especially as President Obiang continues to prepare his son, Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, for eventual succession.
