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Sex Tapes: Equatorial Guinea Installs CCTV In Offices, Suspends Officials

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The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched an investigation into hundreds of leaked pornographic videos allegedly involving high-ranking civil servant, Baltasar Engonga, engaged in sexual acts with various women, including the wives of prominent officials in his office.

The government has also ordered the installation of surveillance cameras in courts and ministries to combat “indecent and illicit acts.”

In addition, officials involved in the scandal have been suspended, according to a statement issued by the Equatorial Guinea Press and Information Office, published on the government’s website on Tuesday.

Vice-President Teodoro Mangue stated on Tuesday that any official found engaging in sex acts at work would be sanctioned, as this was a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”

The government explained that the recent actions were taken in response to the widespread circulation of videos that had “denigrated the image of the country.”

“Among the decisions taken are the suspension of employment of the officials who appear in the homemade adult videos circulating on the networks, severe measures for the members assigned to the surveillance of the inmates for not fulfilling their duties and allowing such acts, as well as the reinforcement of security in all judicial offices in the country; in addition to the installation of surveillance cameras in the judicial and ministerial offices,” the statement read.

“The Executive has made this decision in the wake of the sexual videos that have gone viral on social media in recent days, which have denigrated the image of the country.

“And in order to correct this bad behaviour of some officials of the public and judicial administration of Equatorial Guinea, the Vice President of the Republic, concerned about this situation, has urgently summoned the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, the Attorney General of the Republic, and several members of the government headed by the Prime Minister, to adopt strategies to stop this type of behaviour and thus propose preventive measures,” it added.

Social media has been buzzing following the arrest of Engonga, who is the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of notable figures in the country.

The scandal came to light during a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old economist, which led to a surprise search of his house and office by ANIF officials. During the search, several CDs were discovered, revealing his sexual encounters with different married women.

Since the sex tapes leaked online, there have been a range of reactions, with many describing the incident as the largest sex scandal in the country, and possibly in Africa.

The videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the Director-General of Police, and around 20 wives of the country’s ministers, among others.

BIG STORY

Time Has Come For African Military To Close Ranks — Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has urged the military across Africa to unite in tackling insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.

He made the call on Wednesday when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja, describing the event as a historic platform to foster unity, camaraderie, and military cooperation across the continent.

The Games, with the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” mark the revival of a tradition started over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted that no single nation can address its security challenges in isolation.

“Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the Games in reinforcing Africa’s collective security efforts,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).

Tinubu further stated, “This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is an undeniable reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent. Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together—not just as neighbours, but as guardians of a continent that depends on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”

In reflecting on the legacy of the Games, President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General M. Abdullahi, for their efforts in reviving the event.

The President emphasized the importance of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel, all crucial attributes for addressing Africa’s diverse security challenges.

“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also infuse core values such as integrity, excellence, and discipline. When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he said.

Tinubu also underlined the need for broader unity in confronting the continent’s security threats.

“The security challenges we face cannot be addressed through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long existed among us. As long as any nation within our shared geography remains under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure. Together, we will build a safer, stronger Africa,” he asserted.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa, explained that the second edition of the Games was not only a celebration of the physical abilities of military athletes but also an opportunity to showcase the strong bond that unites the armed forces across Africa.

He emphasized that the Games remind participants of the power of cooperation and friendship, urging the 1,625 athletes and officials from across Africa to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship during the various events.

Gen. Musa assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to strengthen its partnerships with other African armed forces in order to enhance the capacity to defend the territorial integrity of countries across the region.

Additionally, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, stated that hosting the second edition of the Games in Nigeria was a realization of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA to promote unity, friendship, and solidarity among Africa’s armed forces.

Maj. Gen. Abdullahi praised the commitment of Nigeria’s President and the OSMA founding fathers, highlighting that the Games serve as a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talents of Africa’s armed forces. He encouraged participants to compete fiercely yet fairly, rekindling the bonds that unite military forces across the continent.

The opening ceremony included a callisthenics display, performances by various artists, the hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by athletes and officials, and the symbolic lighting of the Games torch by the Vice President.

Other notable figures present at the event included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson), Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Alh. Shehu Dikko, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, as well as heads of delegations from the participating countries and senior military officers.

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NNPCL Commences Sale Of Utapate Crude To International Market

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has officially unveiled its latest crude oil grade, the Utapate crude oil blend, to the international crude oil market.

This development is seen as a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and overall economic growth efforts, according to NNPCL.

In a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Wednesday in Abuja, the NNPCL revealed that the new product was presented to a packed audience of European crude oil marketers at the ongoing Argus European Crude Conference in London, England.

It is worth noting that in July 2024, NNPC Ltd. and its partner, the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) Ltd., introduced the Utapate crude oil blend, following the lifting of the first cargo of 950,000 barrels, which was shipped to Spain.

During the event in London, the Managing Director of NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), Mr. Nicholas Foucart, described the introduction of the Utapate crude oil blend into the market as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s crude oil exports to the global energy market.

“Since we started producing the Utapate Field in May 2024, we have rapidly ramped up production to 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) with minimum downtime. So far, we have exported five cargoes, largely to Spain and the East Coast of the United States; while two more additional cargoes have been secured for November and December 2024, representing a significant boost to Nigeria’s crude oil export to the global market,” Foucart told the audience of European crude oil marketers.

He further noted that since its introduction, the Utapate crude oil blend has received a positive response from the international market due to its highly attractive qualities.

Foucart mentioned that the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13, fully operated by NEPL and Natural Oilfield Services Ltd (NOSL), a subsidiary of SEEPCO Ltd., has a substantial reserve of 330 million barrels of crude oil, 45 million barrels of condensate, and 3.5 trillion cubic feet of gas.

“We have a number of ongoing projects to increase our production from the current 40,000bopd to 50,000bopd by January 2025 and 60,000bopd to 65,000bopd by June 2025. Essentially, we are targeting opportunities to increase production to 80,000bopd by the end of 2025,” Foucart added.

He emphasized that the Utapate crude oil terminal is sustainable, affordable, and fully compliant with rigorous environmental regulations and sustainability principles, especially those focused on reducing carbon emissions and other ecological effects.

The Managing Director of NNPC Trading Ltd. (NTL), Mr. Lawal Sade, also spoke at the event, explaining that the pricing structure of the Utapate crude oil blend is similar to that of Amenam crude. He noted that it is a light sweet crude, highly sought after by refiners worldwide due to its low sulphur content, efficient yield of high-value products, API gravity, and other key characteristics.

In bringing the new crude oil blend to the global market, NNPC Ltd. aims to optimize value for both its producers and global counterparts.

To ensure predictability and sustainability of supply, NTL intends to run a term contract for Utapate crude oil blend cargoes, primarily targeting off-takers from European and U.S. East Coast refineries.

The Utapate crude oil blend, produced from the Utapate field in OML 13 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is similar to the Nembe crude oil grade. It has a low sulphur content of 0.0655% and a low carbon footprint due to flare gas elimination, making it a perfect fit for major buyers in Europe.

The NNPC E&P Ltd. and NOSL partnership is committed to operating in a safe, environmentally responsible manner while benefiting local communities.

The Utapate field development plan, which was executed between 2013-2019 and approved in October, included converting wells and facilities from swamp/marine to land-based operations. It also involved a multi-rig drilling campaign for 40 wells and the development of significant infrastructure, such as production facilities, storage tanks, a subsea pipeline, and an offshore loading platform to facilitate crude oil evacuation and loading.

The introduction of the Utapate crude oil blend into the market comes just a year after NNPC Ltd. launched the Nembe crude oil, produced by the NNPC/Aiteo operated Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 Joint Venture (JV).

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IGP Sues Former Anambra Senator Andy Uba Over Alleged N400m Fraud

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Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arraign former Anambra South Senator, Senator Andy Uba, on a two-count charge related to an alleged N400 million fraud.

Justice Ekwo has scheduled February 18, 2025, for the defendant’s plea hearing, following accusations that Uba defrauded George Uboh, whose complaint led to the charge being filed.

Crystal Chidinma Uba and Benjamin Etu are also named as the 2nd and 3rd defendants in the suit, which was brought before the court.

The IGP claims that the defendants, together with one Hajiya Fatima, who is currently at large, conspired in 2022 to deceive the complainant by presenting a false claim that they could secure the position of managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone willing to pay N400 million.

The defendants are alleged to have committed an offense under section 8, punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act of 2006.

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