A Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, to a combined 490 years in prison following his conviction on multiple counts of fraud involving approximately N2.4 billion.
Justice F.E. Messiri of the FCT High Court delivered the judgment today, finding Orya guilty on all 49 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The prosecution, led by EFCC lawyer Samuel Ugwuegbulam, presented evidence the court said proved beyond reasonable doubt that the ex-bank chief unlawfully diverted large sums of money during his tenure as Managing Director of NEXIM from 2011 to 2016.
Each count carried a separate sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, all to be served consecutively, resulting in a total term of 490 years behind bars.
The EFCC said the conviction underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to holding corporate and financial executives accountable for economic crimes and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s banking and regulatory systems.
In a brief statement following the judgment, the anti-graft agency hailed the court’s ruling as a “significant victory” in the fight against financial mismanagement and corruption.
Robert Orya, who has been in custody pending trial, is expected to begin serving his sentence immediately. Legal experts indicate he may still pursue appeals through higher courts.
