Popular Equatorial Guinea man, Baltasar Engonga, faces an 18-year jail term.
Newsone Nigeria reports that the National Prosecutor’s Office in Equatorial Guinea has requested a total sentence of 18 years in prison against the former head of the General Directorate of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR), Baltasar Ebang Engonga, in a high-profile corruption case currently underway in Malabo.
Mr Engonga, who served as director of the DGAR from 2015 to 2020, is accused of embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office.
The prosecution is seeking 8 years for embezzlement, 4 years and 5 months for illicit enrichment, and 6 years and one day for abuse of duty. Known by the nickname “Bello,” Ebang Engonga faces a fine of over 910 million CFA francs and a ban on holding any public office during the duration of his sentence.
According to the Public Ministry, Ebang Engonga orchestrated a scheme within the DGAR to divert public funds for personal use, with the assistance of several senior officials. Among those also facing charges are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, who are accused of similar financial crimes.
Ebang Engonga, who hails from a prominent political family—being the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o, current CEMAC president, and nephew to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo—is widely viewed as a central figure in the case. His trial is seen as a critical moment in Equatorial Guinea’s attempts to confront corruption and reinforce accountability in public service.
The trial, which opened on Monday, is expected to last three days, with the defense set to present its case next. Ebang Engonga’s legal team has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and has contested the legitimacy of the evidence. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Newsone reports that Baltasar Engonga’s case has drawn widespread attention not only because of the scale of the alleged embezzlement, but also due to 400 controversial videos discovered during the investigation.
Equatorial Guinea authorities reportedly recovered explicit footage from Ebang Engonga’s electronic devices in late 2024, allegedly showing him engaged in inappropriate acts in his office, including with individuals linked to government figures. The release of these videos caused public outcry and raised further concerns about misconduct within high levels of government.
