The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the conviction of former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Robert Orya, over a N2.4 billion fraud case.
A three-member panel led by Justice Muhammed Danjuma unanimously dismissed Orya’s appeal against the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which sentenced him to a cumulative 490 years in prison.
Justices Ntong Festus Ntong and Ele Ejo Enenche were also members of the panel.
According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the appellate court found no merit in Orya’s appeal and affirmed the judgment delivered by Justice F.E. Messiri on February 5, 2026.
Justice Danjuma said the panel reviewed the records of the trial court as well as the submissions of counsel before resolving all the issues raised in favour of the EFCC and against Orya.
“This appeal is devoid of any merit and is hereby dismissed. The judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered on February 5, 2026, in charge number FSC/SC/CS/487/2021 is hereby affirmed,” the judge ruled.
The EFCC had, in 2021, charged Orya with 49 counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud involving N2.4 billion.
After the trial, the FCT High Court found him guilty on all 49 counts, ruling that the prosecution had established the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Messiri subsequently sentenced Orya to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 490 years. The sentences are, however, to run concurrently.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Orya appealed to the Court of Appeal, challenging both his conviction and the sentence and asking the appellate court to overturn the lower court’s decision.
After considering the arguments of the parties and the evidence on record, the Court of Appeal rejected the challenge and affirmed the conviction and sentence.
Orya served as managing director of NEXIM Bank from 2009 to 2016. He was first appointed to the position on August 14, 2009, by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and was reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in August 2014.
