By Peter Omopo
A court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to six years in prison after finding him guilty of illegally selling a national aircraft.
Local reports said the president’s son, whose name was not immediately disclosed by authorities, was convicted of abuse of office and misappropriation of state property. The case centred on his role in the controversial sale of a government-owned plane without due process.
The ruling marks one of the rare high-profile convictions in the oil-rich Central African nation, which has long faced criticism over corruption and governance practices.
Prosecutors told the court that the sale of the aircraft amounted to a betrayal of public trust, while the judge stressed that public office should not be used for personal gain.
The conviction is expected to stir political debate in Equatorial Guinea, where President Obiang — Africa’s longest-serving leader — has ruled since 1979, and where members of his family occupy prominent positions in government and business.
