A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Robert Orya, has been sentenced to 490 years in prison for fraud. He was convicted on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice F. E. Messiri sentenced Orya to 10 years on each of the 49 counts he was found guilty of. The total sentence adds up to 490 years.
Orya served as NEXIM Bank’s managing director from 2011 to 2016. He was accused of diverting N2.4 billion belonging to the bank. The court found the allegations proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution was led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulam. The EFCC presented evidence showing that the former bank chief misused public funds.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Messiri confirmed that Orya was guilty on all 49 counts brought against him. The court emphasized the severity of the offences.
Observers say the conviction highlights the renewed efforts of the EFCC under its current leadership, which has focused on pursuing high-profile corruption cases.
The EFCC has intensified the investigation and prosecution of complex financial crimes, especially those involving government institutions and large sums of public money.
During his time at NEXIM Bank, Orya had initially been praised for efforts to support non-oil exports and improve the bank’s financial performance. However, his tenure later faced allegations of irregular loan disbursements and procedural abuses.
The case that led to Orya’s conviction centered on the diversion of about N2.4 billion in public funds. The judgment sends a strong message about accountability for financial misconduct.
The conviction is seen as a significant achievement in the fight against corruption and reinforces that no one, regardless of position or influence, is above the law.