N2.4bn Fraud: Appeal Court Affirms Ex-NEXIM Bank MD Orya’s Imprisonment

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The conviction and sentencing of the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr Robert Orya, by Justice F.E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, has been upheld by Justice Muhammed Danjuma of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Mr Orya was convicted and sentenced to 490 years’ imprisonment for bank fraud of N2.4 billion on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The convict was arraigned in 2021 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 49-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, he approached the appellate court for reprieve, but the case was dismissed for lack of merit.

Leading two other justices, Ntong Festus Ntong and Ele Ejo Enenche, on Tuesday to deliver a unanimous judgment, Justice Muhammed stated that, “I have considered all briefs filed by counsel and have gone through the record of the trial court and adopted it, and the issues as formulated by this appellate court in resolving this appeal.

“I looked at each and every issue, and in my final analysis, all the issues formulated for the determination of this appeal are resolved in favour of the respondent and against the appellant.

“This appeal is devoid of any merit and is hereby dismissed. The judgment of the High Court of the FCT delivered on February 5, 2026, in charge number FSC/SC/CS/487/2021 is hereby affirmed.”

The trial judge had earlier held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty as charged on all 49 counts and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each, totalling 490 years. The sentences, however, are to run concurrently.

The convict served as the MD of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016. He was appointed to the position on August 14, 2009, by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 18, 2014.