February 05, (THEWILL) — A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Abuja, has sentenced a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, to a cumulative 490 years’ imprisonment following his conviction in a ₦2.4 billion fraud case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, stating that Justice F.E. Messiri found Orya guilty on all 49 counts preferred against him.
Orya, who served as Managing Director of NEXIM between 2011 and 2016, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the 49 counts after the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The EFCC, today, February 5, 2026, secured the conviction of Robert Orya, a former Managing Director, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) (2011–2016), for a fraud of about ₦2.4 billion”, the anti-graft agency stated, adding it was represented by its counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulam.
The statement added that Justice Messiri imposed the sentence after dismissing all the defences raised by the former bank chief.
In a related development, the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the forfeiture of $20,000 and CFA 110,000 to the Federal Government.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu gave the forfeiture order on Wednesday, following an application by the EFCC. The commission disclosed that the monies were intercepted by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State and subsequently handed over to the EFCC for investigation.
The EFCC said the latest convictions and forfeiture orders underscore its resolve, in collaboration with the judiciary and other security agencies, to intensify the fight against corruption and economic crimes across the country.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
