by Atafo Igbinedion
Baltasar Engonga, former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been transferred to the infamous Black Beach Prison in Malabo, where he is now being held on remand.
Known as one of Africa’s most notorious prisons, Black Beach has a dark reputation, with former inmates describing its conditions as “inhumane.”
In a report by Amnesty International, a former detainee referred to the prison as “a hole,” explaining that “the humidity from the nearby sea and land creates conditions so unbearable that it’s a struggle to survive.”
Engonga’s transfer follows explosive allegations linking him to corruption and scandal. Investigators uncovered over 400 explicit videos allegedly involving Engonga and married women connected to prominent figures across the nation.
The shocking discovery emerged during a fraud probe against the 54-year-old economist, leading ANIF officials to search his home and office.
A source close to the investigation revealed, “What was found went beyond financial misconduct. It was a betrayal of public trust on a deeply personal level.” The scandal quickly became public, igniting a media storm and prompting swift action from the government.
In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo issued Decree No. 118/2024 on November 4, terminating Engonga’s appointment “due to irregularities in his duties and inappropriate conduct unfit for a public servant.”
In a video that went viral on social media Friday, Engonga appeared in court restrained by handcuffs, underscoring the gravity of the charges against him.
French media outlet Afrikmatin confirmed that Engonga’s dismissal was formalized on November 6, and that he was subsequently moved to Black Beach, where he awaits trial on charges of corruption and embezzlement.
