News
Scandal in Equatorial Guinea: Former Anti-Graft Chief Baltasar Engonga Remanded in Prison.
In a shocking development, Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, has been remanded in Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison. This follows his recent arrest, which has drawn significant media attention due to the serious nature of the allegations against him.
Engonga, aged 54, was apprehended amid a fraud investigation that unveiled his involvement in recording over 400 illicit sex tapes featuring the wives of prominent figures in the nation. The scandal erupted when ANIF officials conducted an unexpected search of his residence and office, leading to the discovery of several CDs containing explicit footage of his encounters with various married women.
In light of these revelations, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo swiftly dismissed Engonga from his position on November 6, 2024, citing “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions” and “inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties,” as outlined in Decree No. 118/2024.
The situation escalated further when a viral video surfaced, depicting Engonga shackled during a court appearance. Reports confirm that he is not only facing charges related to corruption and embezzlement but is also embroiled in a scandal that has captivated the nation and ignited discussions on ethics within public office.
As the sex tapes continue to circulate on social media, Engonga remains incarcerated, with state television, TVGE, reporting that he was already in custody for embezzling public funds when the tapes began to leak. A fact-checking report by Dubawa corroborated the details of his arrest and current detention status.
This unfolding scandal raises pressing questions about accountability and integrity among public officials in Equatorial Guinea, highlighting the critical need for robust oversight mechanisms in governance. As the investigation progresses, the implications of Engonga’s actions will undoubtedly resonate throughout the nation.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing trend of renaming streets and public spaces in Lagos State without adherence to constitutional procedures or resident consultation. Falana describes these actions as unlawful and undemocratic.
In a recent statement, Falana specifically criticized the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kolade Alabi. He further cited instances of streets named after President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and alleged street naming by industrialist Aliko Dangote in honor of the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu.
Falana asserts that these actions contravene the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants local government councils the exclusive authority for naming and numbering streets. He referenced the legal precedent set in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which affirmed the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s sole authority over street naming within its jurisdiction.
Falana emphasized that the “usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution.” He highlighted the historical significance of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, arguing that its renaming without community consultation represents authoritarianism.
Furthermore, Falana expressed concern over the retention of colonial-era names while targeting names honoring Nigerians with positive societal contributions. He urged local government legislative arms to end arbitrary renaming practices, implement transparent processes with public hearings, and ensure community involvement in such decisions.
Falana concluded by stating that street names should not be altered arbitrarily to cater to the whims of political leaders or promote ethnic chauvinism, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
GoodGirl LA: “No Man Deserves a Goddess Like Me”
Ayra Starr enjoys performing in front of Lionel Messi at Coldplay’s Miami Concert.
