Ebang Engonga, 55, is the former head of the General Directorate of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) and a nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He is also the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the current president of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).
He dominated headlines late last year over a sex scandal involving over 400 women in the Central African country.
His trial, unfolding in the capital Malabo, centers on charges of embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office during his tenure between 2015 and 2020.
Prosecutors allege that Ebang Engonga orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to divert state funds for personal use. The indictment seeks eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illicit enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of office.
In addition to prison time, the prosecution is requesting a fine of more than 910 million CFA francs (approx. $1.5 million) and a ban from holding public office for the duration of the sentence.
The case, dubbed the 'Treasury Trial,' involves six other former DGAR officials facing similar charges. Among them are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.
The legal proceedings have been further inflamed by the scandalous revelations about Ebang Engonga's personal life. In late 2024, authorities recovered explicit videos from Ebang Engonga's electronic devices during the investigation.
The recordings, some filmed in his government office and involving women reportedly linked to government officials, sparked a public firestorm and added to growing calls for accountability within the ruling elite.
The defence has rejected the charges as unfounded and politically charged, calling into question the credibility of the evidence, including the financial audit and video materials presented by the prosecution. Ebang Engonga's legal team maintains that the proceedings are intended to sideline him from public life.
The trial, which began Monday, is expected to conclude by the end of the week, with a verdict likely in the coming days.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
