Equatorial Guinea’s anti-corruption spotlight turns blazing hot as Baltasar Ebang Engonga, one of the country’s most high-profile officials, faces an 18-year prison sentence over allegations of massive embezzlement and abuse of power. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

After 10 months in Black Beach Prison, Engonga appeared in Malabo court this week as the explosive trial entered full swing. The former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) is being accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar diversion scheme during his tenure as the head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) from 2015 to 2020.

According to prosecutors, Engonga led a covert syndicate that funneled public funds into private accounts, amassing unlawful wealth while crippling state resources.

💥 The Charges at a Glance:

• 8 years for embezzling public funds

• 4 years & 5 months for unlawful enrichment

• 6 years & 1 day for abuse of power

• Fines totaling over 910 million CFA francs (≈ $1.5 million USD)

• Lifetime ban from public office

These charges come amidst a wider crackdown, with six other senior officials also standing trial—including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji—accused of operating within what authorities describe as a “vast financial corruption network.”

🔥 Political Witch-Hunt or Justice Served?

Engonga’s legal team slammed the trial as “politically motivated,” questioning the credibility of the evidence and insisting their client is a scapegoat in a larger political drama.

The case has gripped social media and anti-corruption circles, with many citizens calling for deeper investigations and accountability across all levels of government.

⏳ What’s Next?

The trial, set to last three days, continues this week as defense lawyers present their counterarguments. A verdict is expected soon—potentially changing the trajectory of anti-corruption reform in Equatorial Guinea.