A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has sentenced Robert Orya, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), to 490 years in prison for defrauding the bank of N2.4 billion.
Orya, who helmed NEXIM between 2011 and 2016, was convicted on all 49 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Each count carried a 10-year jail term, cumulatively totaling 490 years, a sentence handed down by Justice F.E. Messiri on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Prosecuting the case on behalf of the EFCC, Samuel Ugwuegbulam described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against corruption and a clear warning to public officials about the consequences of financial misconduct.
The EFCC noted that Orya’s fraudulent actions not only violated public trust but also undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s banking sector, stressing that such convictions are crucial to strengthening governance and accountability.
The sentencing of the former bank chief comes amid growing public demand for stringent measures against corruption in government and state-owned financial institutions, highlighting the judiciary’s role in tackling high-profile financial crimes.
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