Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the conviction and 490-year prison sentence of Roberts Orya, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), who was found guilty of a N2.4 billion fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed. In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the appellate court affirmed Orya's conviction on all 49 counts of fraud brought against him, effectively shutting the door on his legal challenge.
The legal saga began on February 5, 2026, when Justice F.E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja convicted Orya and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment on each of the 49 counts, amounting to a total of 490 years. The sentences were, however, ordered to run concurrently, meaning the former bank chief would effectively serve 10 years in prison. Orya was arraigned in 2021 on a 49-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud to the tune of N2.4 billion.
The prosecution, led by Samuel Ugwuebulam, called seven witnesses whose testimonies strongly established the defendant's guilt. Justice Messiri held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty as charged on all counts. The convict served as the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016, having been appointed by the late President Umaru Yar'Adua and reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Court of Appeal's decision to uphold the conviction and sentence represents a significant victory for the EFCC in its ongoing crackdown on financial crimes, particularly in the banking sector. The ruling sends a clear message that even high-ranking officials will be held accountable for abuse of office and fraudulent activities. Orya's appeal has now been exhausted, and he is expected to begin serving his sentence at a correctional facility. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that public funds are protected from fraudulent activities.
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