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Tag: Equatorial Guinea

  • Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sentenced to eight year in prison

    Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sentenced to eight year in prison

    The Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Engonga’s arrest follows the discovery of over 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.

    The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

    According to Hilario Mitogo, press director of the Supreme Court, the Bioko provincial tribunal found Engonga guilty of diverting funds meant for professional travel expenses for personal use.

    He was also fined $220,000.

    Engonga, a former head of the national financial investigation agency, was tried alongside five other senior officials.

    They were accused of misappropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds.

    The case follows his detention in November, when videos of him with women, including the spouses of other officials, surfaced on social media while investigations into the embezzlement charges were ongoing.

     

  • Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief with over 400 leaked s3xtapes faces 18-year jail term

    Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief with over 400 leaked s3xtapes faces 18-year jail term

    Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a former  Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, is facing a possible 18-year prison sentence as his corruption trial continues before a court in Malabo.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) earlier reports that the government official in Equatorial Guinea, was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.

    The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

    The leaked recordings said to have been consensually filmed, have sparked widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny of the government’s top anti-corruption official.

    Engonga, who has been remanded in the infamous Black Beach Prison since September 2024, is standing trial for embezzlement of public funds, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of office during his time as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance between 2015 and 2020.

    At Monday’s hearing, the national prosecutor requested a combined sentence of 18 years for the embattled former official:

    • 8 years for embezzlement
    • 4 years and 5 months for unlawful enrichment
    • 6 years and 1 day for abuse of office

    Engonga also faces a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million or ₦2.2 billion) and a ban from holding public office throughout his sentence.

    Prosecutors alleged that Engonga masterminded a sophisticated financial network that syphoned state funds for personal gain, a scheme they say crippled critical public sector development.

  • 400 women: Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sent to prison

    400 women: Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sent to prison

    The Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been remanded in custody at Malabo’s Black Beach Prison.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Engonga’s arrest follows the discovery of over 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.

    The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

    The leaked recordings said to have been consensually filmed, have sparked widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny of the government’s top anti-corruption official.

    In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo dismissed the 54 -year-old official from his position.

    Following his dismissal, a video surfaced on social media on Friday capturing Engonga appearing in court, restrained with handcuffs on both his hands and feet.

    French blog Afrikmatin confirmed that Engonga, officially relieved of his duties on November 6, 2024, was subsequently chained and transferred to Malabo Central Prison. He is facing charges related to corruption and embezzlement.

    Furthermore, UGStandard, an online news outlet, reported that the sex tapes began to spread on social networks while Engonga was already detained at Black Beach Prison on accusations of misappropriating public funds, as corroborated by state broadcaster TVGE.

    In a fact-check published on Wednesday, Dubawa verified Engonga’s detention on corruption charges, affirming that he is currently being held in Black Beach Prison.

  • Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sacked over sextape scandal

    Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime chief, Baltasar Engonga sacked over sextape scandal

    The Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been dismissed following the discovery of over 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the dismissal, ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was confirmed by Real Equatorial Guinea, which cited Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4.

    According to the decree, the top government official’s removal was due to alleged professional misconduct and personal behavior incompatible with his public role.

    The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

    The leaked recordings said to have been consensually filmed, have sparked widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny of the government’s top anti-corruption official.

    Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea‘s Vice President, Teddy Nguema on Tuesday announced an extensive plan to install surveillance cameras in all state offices to combat misconduct and ensure strict adherence to public service laws.

    The initiative, which was disclosed via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter marks a significant push toward greater transparency and accountability within the country’s public sector.

    “We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behavior,” the post read.

  • Equatorial Guinea to install surveillance cameras in public offices amid top official sextape scandal

    Equatorial Guinea to install surveillance cameras in public offices amid top official sextape scandal

    Teddy Nguema, Equatorial Guinea‘s Vice President, on Tuesday announced an extensive plan to install surveillance cameras in all state offices to combat misconduct and ensure strict adherence to public service laws.

    The initiative, which was disclosed via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter marks a significant push toward greater transparency and accountability within the country’s public sector.

    “We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behavior,” the post read.

    This development comes after the sextape of Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga with over 400 women, include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Director General of Police’s wife, and about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives, among others was uncovered.

    The tapes were reportedly discovered during a surprise search as part of a fraud investigation.

    Authorities say the new surveillance initiative is designed to deter similar behaviour and maintain the ethical standards expected from public officials.

    The administration has made it clear that any official found in violation will face severe consequences. “We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the Vice President stated.

    The VP noted that installing surveillance systems in state offices signals a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.

    “The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour. We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.

  • President Tinubu calls for home-grown solutions to Africa’s challenges

    President Tinubu calls for home-grown solutions to Africa’s challenges

    During his three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the need for African countries to develop home-grown solutions to their socio-economic and political challenges.

    Tinubu stressed the importance of closer collaboration and solidarity among African nations to address these issues.

     

    He also highlighted the need to address the exodus of skills and talents from Africa on a regular basis thus saying research and development should be encouraged and rewarded.

    He emphasized the need for African leaders to strengthen the continent, cultivate one another, and ensure peace on the continent.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com  reports that Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement on a Gulf of Guinea pipeline project, which is expected to open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment between the two countries.

    The two leaders also discussed security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.

     

    President Tinubu’s visit to the Central African country aimed to strengthen bilateral- relations between them and exploring opportunities for cooperation between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

  • Just in: Tinubu endorses Gulf of Guinea Pipeline agreement

    Just in: Tinubu endorses Gulf of Guinea Pipeline agreement

    President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline agreement with Equatorial Guinea.

    Tinubu said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

    As part of the commitment to its gas expansion and energy transition programmes, Nigeria on Wednesday evening signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

    Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, signed on behalf of Nigeria while his host, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, signed for his country.

    A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.

    Tinubu said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

    The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.

    “Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.

    “We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.

    “In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.

    “Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ the President said.

    President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.

    “We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ the President concluded.

    In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.

    President Mbasogo said Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.

    The President of Equatorial Guinea said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim- Biu were present at the signing of the agreement.

  • Bilateral Relations: President Tinubu lands in Equatorial Guinea

    Bilateral Relations: President Tinubu lands in Equatorial Guinea

    Nigeria’s President,  Bola Tinubu has arrived in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, for a three-day official visit.

    Tinubu arrived the Presidential Wing of the Malabo International Airport at about 2:07 pm and he was received by the Prime Minister of the country, Manuela Roka Botey.

    President Tinubu’s visit is at the invitation of his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

    Upon arrival at the airport, Tinubu received a brief welcome ceremony, after which he headed to the Presidential Palace known as People’s Palace Court.

    At the People’s Court, there will be a brief ceremony, followed by a family photo, and a military parade after which he will hold a private meeting with President Mbasogo.

    Both presidents will deliberate on bilateral issues including oil and gas, security, and others as regards both African countries.

    President Tinubu will later sign a historic visitors’ book after which a press statement would be made available then a dinner to close the day.

    Among those accompanying President Tinubu are the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar; Defense, Abubakar Badaru; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Interior,  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo;

    Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim-Bio; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; amongst others.

  • 2023 AFCON top scorer Equatorial Guinea’s Nsue banned by FIFA for breach of contract

    2023 AFCON top scorer Equatorial Guinea’s Nsue banned by FIFA for breach of contract

    The Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA) has ruled that Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio shouldn’t have represented Equatorial Guinea because he was not eligible to do so in his 11-year international career

    Recall that Nsue won the Golden Boot as top goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year with five goals in four appearances.

    In December 2013, FIFA ruled that Nsue was not eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea — following several appearances for Spain’s youth teams — but he continued to represent them regardless.

    FIFA opened a new investigation into Nsue’s eligibility in March with the 34-year-old given a six-day deadline to respond, but world football’s governing body said no response arrived.

    The World football body  published its judgement in a 15-page ruling on Monday, with Equatorial Guinea stripped of their World Cup 2026 qualification victories against Namibia and Liberia — which they both won 1-0 thanks to Nsue goals — with their opponents awarded a three-goal victory.

    FIFA has ruled that former Nsue has been banned from all international football for six months, while the Equatoguinean federation (Feguifut) was fined 150,000 Swiss francs ($164,000, £129,000).

    The FIFA disciplinary verdict is a repeat judgement of its ruling in 2013 when Nsue was deemed to be ineligible when Equatorial Guinea defaulted two World Cup 2014 qualification matches as 3-0 defeats due to his participation — the forward’s first two caps for the nation.

    Nsue played 26 competitive matches for Spain from Under-16 level through to Under-21 and featured in the Under-21 European Championship in 2011.

  • FIFA’s hammer falls on Equatorial Guinea for fielding ineligible player

    FIFA’s hammer falls on Equatorial Guinea for fielding ineligible player

    The Fédération internationale de football association  FIFA Disciplinary Committee has wielded its big stick on Equatorial Guinean Football Association (FEGUIFUT) and the player Emilio Nsue López following the latter’s participation in several matches of the national team including 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    FIFA banned FEGUIFUT for fielding Nsue in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition, despite being ineligible.

    After considering all elements brought before it, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was comfortably satisfied that the player was ineligible and consequently decided to declare the matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition in which the player was fielded (namely Equatorial Guinea v. Namibia and Liberia v. Equatorial Guinea played on 15 November 2023 and 20 November 2023, respectively) lost by forfeit by Equatorial Guinea (by a score of 3-0).

    In addition, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed the following sanctions:

    a fine amounting to CHF 150,000 upon FEGUIFUT; and

    a six-month ban from playing for any representative team of any association upon the player Emilio Nsue López.

    The FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s findings were notified today to the parties concerned.