A court in France has adjourned the corruption trial of Equatorial Guinea's flamboyant Vice- President, Teodorin Obiang Nguema after his lawyers asked for more time to prepare his defence.

Mr Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s president, Teodoro Mbasogo is accused of buying a mansion and sports cars in France with a fortune amassed from oil-rich Equatorial Guinea's public funds.

Although, Obiang is being tried in absentia, his lawyers say he’s not a "big-time bandit".

According to Ceoafrica, the trial is the first following  an unprecedented investigation into the French assets of  African leaders accused of leading a life of luxury abroad while their citizens live in poverty.

Last month, the International Court of Justice rejected a bid by Equatorial Guinea's government to prevent the trial from going ahead, arguing that Mr Obiang had diplomatic immunity.