By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the conviction and 490-year prison sentence handed down to former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Robert Orya, over a N2.4bn fraud case.
The appellate court affirmed Orya’s conviction on all 49 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the Court of Appeal upheld the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
Orya was convicted on February 5, 2026, by Justice F.E. Messiri, who found him guilty of offences including obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud.
The charges stemmed from allegations concerning fraudulent loans disbursed by NEXIM Bank during Orya’s tenure as managing director.
The trial court ruled that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt after presenting seven witnesses.
Justice Messiri sentenced Orya to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the 49 counts, totalling 490 years. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
Orya headed NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016. He was initially appointed by former President Umaru Yar’Adua in August 2009 and later reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
The Court of Appeal’s latest decision means the conviction and sentence remain in force.
