A court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced Baltasar Ebang Engonga, popularly known as “Bello,” to eight years in prison for embezzlement. The Bioko provincial tribunal delivered the ruling on Wednesday after he was found guilty of diverting public funds that had been claimed as professional travel expenses for his own use.
Engonga, the married former head of the national financial investigation agency, faced charges alongside five other senior officials. Together, they were accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in the oil-rich Central African nation. The court also imposed a fine of $220,000, equivalent to approximately Ksh. 28.5 million, according to Supreme Court press director Hilario Mitogo, who confirmed the ruling in a WhatsApp message to reporters.
Why Was Engonga Nicknamed “Bello”?
The official gained notoriety in November after a series of sex tapes surfaced on social media while he was in detention awaiting the embezzlement trial. Some of the clips, reportedly filmed inside his office at the finance ministry, showed him with the wives of other officials. The scandal quickly escalated, earning him the nickname “Bello” and sparking a global frenzy online.
How Did the Public React to the Scandal?
The videos triggered a wave of mockery across social platforms. Online users created parodies, including songs, dances, and even jokes about a spoof virility drug called “Balthazariem.” What started as a corruption case soon became one of the most viral political scandals in the country’s history, blending elements of comedy, outrage, and public shame.
The eight-year sentence and hefty fine mark a major fall from grace for the once-powerful financial chief. Beyond the corruption charges, his public image has been permanently tainted by the viral scandal that overshadowed his career. Engonga now faces years behind bars while his story continues to circulate globally as a cautionary tale of power, excess, and downfall.
By Risper Akinyi