BREAKING: Equatorial Guinea President’s Son on Trial for Selling National Aircraft

A son of Equatorial Guinea’s President, Ruslan Obiang Nsue, is facing prosecution after admitting to the controversial sale of a state-owned aircraft belonging to the national carrier, Ceiba Intercontinental.

According to court filings, the case dates back to November 2022, when an ATR 72-500 turboprop sent for maintenance in Spain was reported missing. Investigations revealed that Ruslan, a former deputy general manager of Ceiba Intercontinental, had signed a contract to sell the plane to Spanish firm Binter Technic for €250,000.

Prosecutors allege that he diverted half of the proceeds, about €125,000 into his personal Spanish bank account.

Ruslan Obiang Nsue has been charged with abuse of power, misappropriation of public assets, and embezzlement of state funds. Prosecutors are seeking a combined 18-year prison sentence, broken down into; Six years for abuse of power, Six years for misappropriation of public property, and Six years for embezzlement.

In addition to jail time, they are demanding a fine of nearly 500 million CFA francs (about $850,000) and restitution of the missing funds.

The scandal has fueled political tensions within the ruling family. The investigation was launched by Ruslan’s half-brother, Vice President Teodoro “Teodorin” Nguema Obiang Mangue, who ordered his arrest and removal from office. He described the act as a betrayal of public trust.

Court proceedings have been suspended, and a final verdict is yet to be issued. Meanwhile, the case has reignited debate about corruption and nepotism in Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa’s oil-rich nations long ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the world’s longest-serving head of state.