BREAKING: Former Equatorial Guinea Finance Chief Baltasar Ebang Engonga Jailed for Embezzlement Scandal
— Sele Media Africa | www.selemedia.org

In a major anti-corruption ruling, a court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced Baltasar Ebang Engonga, former head of the national financial investigation agency, to eight years in prison for embezzlement of public funds.

Engonga, widely known by his nickname “Bello”, was found guilty by the Bioko Provincial Tribunal of misappropriating government money disguised as travel expenses. The court also imposed a fine of $220,000 as part of the sentencing.

The news was confirmed by Hilario Mitogo, Press Director of the Supreme Court, in a statement shared via WhatsApp on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. According to reports, Engonga diverted large sums meant for professional use and redirected them into personal gain.

This is not the first time the disgraced official has made headlines. He previously caused national uproar when explicit personal videos surfaced online, tarnishing his public image and drawing criticism from citizens and watchdogs alike.The sentencing marks a rare moment of judicial accountability in the country’s high-ranking political and financial circles. Civil society groups have hailed the ruling as a potential turning point in Equatorial Guinea’s fight against corruption and abuse of office.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor reactions and developments as this story unfolds.