By Peace Udugba
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has affirmed the conviction and 490-year prison sentence imposed on former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Robert Orya, over a N2.4 billion fraud case.
Justice Muhammed Danjuma, who delivered the unanimous judgment of the three-member panel on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, dismissed Orya’s appeal for lacking merit.
The panel, also comprising Justices Ntong Festus Ntong and Ele Ejo Enenche, upheld the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice F.E. Messiri on February 5, 2026.
Orya was convicted after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him in 2021 on a 49-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud involving N2.4 billion.
Dissatisfied with the High Court judgment, the former NEXIM Bank boss approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn his conviction and sentence.
Delivering the appellate court’s judgment, Justice Danjuma said the panel had considered the briefs filed by counsel and reviewed the record of proceedings before the trial court.
He said the issues raised in the appeal were resolved in favour of the respondent and against the appellant.
The court consequently dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgment of the FCT High Court delivered on February 5, 2026, in charge number FSC/SC/CS/487/2021.
Justice Messiri had earlier held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found Orya guilty on all 49 counts.
The trial court sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, amounting to 490 years. However, the sentences are to run concurrently.
Orya served as Managing Director of NEXIM Bank from 2009 to 2016. He was appointed to the position on August 14, 2009, by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and was reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 18, 2014.
