In a landmark victory for Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and hefty sentencing of Robert Orya, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), over a fraud scheme involving approximately N2.4 billion.
Justice F.E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Orya guilty on all 49 counts of fraud and related charges. The court sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, resulting in a cumulative term of 490 years. The prosecution was led by EFCC counsel Samuel Ugwuegbulam.
The case stems from Orya’s tenure as NEXIM Managing Director between 2011 and 2016, during which investigators alleged he fraudulently diverted substantial funds from the export-import financing institution.
NEXIM, a development finance bank focused on promoting non-oil exports, had seen Orya credited earlier in his leadership with efforts to reposition the bank amid financial difficulties. However, those years later became overshadowed by allegations of misappropriation and abuse of office.
Announcing the outcome, the EFCC stated: “The EFCC, today, February 5, 2026, secured the conviction of Robert Orya, a former Managing Director, Nigerian Import Export Bank, NEXIM (2011-2016), for a fraud of about N2.4 Billion. Orya who was prosecuted by EFCC’s Samuel Ugwuegbulam, was convicted by Justice F.E. Messiri of the FCT High court, Abuja and sentenced to ten years imprisonment on each of the 49 count charge.”
The conviction caps a prolonged legal battle that began several years ago, with initial charges linked to similar allegations of misappropriation and impersonation dating back to 2021. Thursday’s ruling underscores the EFCC’s determination to pursue high-profile financial crimes to finality, sending a stark message that no former official is beyond accountability.
Public reaction on social media has been swift, with many Nigerians hailing the outcome as a step toward stronger enforcement against corruption in public institutions. Some users expressed hope that the judgment would spur faster resolution in other high-profile cases involving public fund mismanagement.
Orya, a Benue-born banker who also served as honorary president of the Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions, now faces the prospect of decades behind bars as the anti-graft agency continues its crackdown on economic and financial crimes.
