Kehinde Fajobi
The Equatorial Guinean government has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Ebang Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour.
Over the weekend, Jerónimo Osa Osa, Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, announced the legal action and revealed that the Attorney General’s Office would be conducting a thorough investigation into Engonga’s alleged misconduct.
“This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married,” reported Ahora EG, a local news outlet.
In an address on Friday, the government condemned Engonga’s actions, stating they “violate the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will lead the investigation, has been tasked with pursuing administrative, civil, and criminal charges against Engonga and any potential accomplices.
In a statement, the government expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on societal values and Equatorial Guinea’s reputation.
“In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact,” it said.
The investigation will also consider privacy violations and the potential harm caused to individuals’ reputations.
The government underscored its commitment to protecting the rights of those affected by the scandal, including its own interests.
Engonga’s arrest followed the discovery of over 400 explicit tapes involving married women connected to high-profile individuals in Equatorial Guinea.
The tapes were discovered during a fraud investigation that led authorities to conduct a surprise search of Engonga’s residence and office, where CDs reportedly containing videos with prominent figures were seized.
The videos, reportedly recorded with the participants’ consent, have since circulated online, sparking public outrage and intensifying the government’s calls for accountability.