Baltasar Engonga Faces over 18 Years Imprisonment as Corruption Trial Begins
- Baltasar Engonga became famous beyond the borders of Equatorial Guinea in 2024 after his private videos leaked
- The former director-general of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) has been accused of serious crimes
- The trial began on June 30, and his defence lawyers argued that the case is politically motivated
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Equatorial Guinea's Baltasar Engonga Ebang has been charged and could face prison time for embezzling government funds.
Source: Twitter
He is accused of stealing over 1 billion CFA francs from government coffers.
Why is Baltasar Engonga in court?
Engonga, who became famous in 2024 after private videos with several women went viral on social media, is also facing allegations of financial misconduct related to his management of a state-owned company under the Ministry of Finance.
Reports allege that Engonga personally siphoned off 910 million CFA francs, much of which he reportedly spent on women and extravagant pleasures.
The trial, which began on Monday, June 30, also involves several other officials from the public enterprise.
When will Baltasar Engonga know his verdict?
The proceedings are set to continue for three days, with defence lawyers refuting the charges, claiming they are politically motivated and questioning the validity of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
A verdict is expected in the coming days.
As reported by Zim Celebs, Engonga is not the only official in the dock. Six other former senior civil servants are also battling the same charges.
"The Public Ministry alleges that 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."
Many netizens have reacted to the news in different ways.
munyaradzianthony:
"Sometimes you go to jail for a crime you never expected."
softlifeofsummers:
"We all know why he is in jail, period."
dat_boi_tyro_:
"At least it’s not for his case, we all know."
gigiec05
"He should be locked up in his own cell."
enotale_grim:
"We all know the real reason broski in jail."
erichy:
"Our minister of enjoyment."
simonwestern:
"The guy enjoyed life either way."
kenado_gushaz:
"Who is going to cover that gap? The community will starve damn."
Woman warns against Baltasar Engonga's videos
Previously, a woman named Ada Ujaligwa warned the public against watching the videos involving Engonga.
She urged people to stay away from content that could defile their hearts and souls.
In a Facebook post, Ada argued that the eyes are the window to one's soul, and therefore, individuals should be cautious about what they expose themselves to.
She warned against watching the videos, claiming they could have a negative spiritual impact.
How Baltasar Engonga's videos leaked
The videos of Engonga were discovered during an investigation into allegations of fraud.
Investigators found the tapes while searching his house and office in connection with charges of embezzling public funds.
Source: UGC
At the time of the discovery, Engonga had already been remanded in custody at Malabo's Black Beach prison.
The attorney general's office, led by Anatolio Nzang Nguema, is currently looking into whether the content of these videos poses any potential health risks.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
