Equatorial Guinea’s flamboyant vice-president has gone on trial in absentia in France on charges of corruption after he failed to stop the landmark case.

Teodorin Obiang Nguema is accused of buying a mansion and sports cars in France with a fortune amassed from oil-rich Equatorial Guinea’s public funds.

A lawyer for Obiang, the president’s son, denies he is a "big-time bandit”.

The trial is the first since France started investigating African leaders accused of illegally acquiring wealth. It comes after a nearly decade-long campaign by anti-corruption groups demanding that France act against leaders suspected of stashing their "ill-gotten gains” in Europe.

Obiang’s lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, asked the court to delay the trial, saying he needed more time to prepare his client’s defence.

Agencies