Equatorial Guinea has suspended all officials who had sexual relations in the offices of ministries.

Announcing the decision on Monday via X, Teodoro Nguema, Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president, said the government would take “severe measures” against such acts.

“Today, we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries,” the statement reads.

“The Government will take severe measures against these acts, since it constitutes a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.

“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviors that undermine the integrity of the public service.

“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behavior to compromise public trust.

“Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the State.”

In a follow up post on Tuesday, the vice-president said the government would soon install surveillance cameras in all government offices.

“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” he said.

“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures.”

BACKGROUND

The Central African nation has been embroiled in a sex scandal since officials searched the home and office of Baltasar Ebang Engonga as part of an investigation into alleged fraud.

Engonga is director general of the country’s Anti-graft National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF).

Investigators reportedly uncovered about 400 explicit videos purportedly featuring the ANIF boss and multiple women.

Among the discoveries were sex tapes of Engonga seemingly having romps with his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the president of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the director general of police, and about 20 wives of ministers, among others.

The now viral videos were filmed in his office, hotels, and toilets — allegedly with the consent of participants.

Oyewole Adeyeye, the chief judge of Ekiti state, is dead.

Adeyeye reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday.

He was said to have been unwell since July 12, 2023.

The illness followed severe injuries he sustained when a section of the state high court complex collapsed on him.

The association of international female lawyers (FIDA) in the state has issued a condolence message.

“With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory,” the statement reads.

“May He find rest with his maker.

“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”

Human Rights Radio and Television, an Abuja-based media organisation, says it has partially shut down operations to protest the treatment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

The media organisation disclosed news of the partial shutdown in a statement released on X on Monday.

On Friday, the police arraigned 76 suspects, some of whom were minors, over their alleged roles in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.

The charges levied against them include terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.

At least four of the minors, however, collapsed at the court session.

The defendants, who looked ill and malnourished, were later granted N10 million bail each.

The trial, along with news that the defendants had been detained for 90 days prior to arraignment, has drawn widespread criticisms from the civil society.

Also reacting, the broadcast establishment called for the unconditional release of the children, and reiterated its stance on solidarity with the voiceless “until justice is served”.

“Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children,” the statement reads.

“This decision reflects our deep commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of these children. Until justice is served, we stand firm in solidarity with the voiceless.”