Former MD of NEXIM Bank, Robert Orya, Jailed 490 Years Over Alleged N2.4 Billion Fraud

A former Managing Director, Nigerian Import Export Bank, NEXIM (2011-2016), Robert Orya, has been convicted and sentenced to ten years imprisonment on each of the 49 count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) for a fraud of about N2.4 Billion.

Orya who was prosecuted by EFCC’s Samuel Ugwuegbulam, was convicted today, February 5, 2026 by Justice F.E. Messiri of the FCT High court, Abuja.

The conviction of Orya represents one of the most notable recent cases involving a former banking executive, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat high-level financial crimes within the banking and financial sectors.

Orya served as the managing director of NEXIM Bank from approximately 2009 to 2016. During his leadership, he was recognized for initiatives aimed at boosting non-oil exports and improving the bank’s performance following earlier financial difficulties.

However, his tenure was later marred by legal and financial disputes, including previous lawsuits over alleged procedural violations and irregularities in loan disbursements.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted him on a 49-count charge, accusing him of illegally diverting around N2.4 billion. The case culminated in his conviction and a significant prison sentence handed down by the Abuja High Court.

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In his ruling, Justice Messiri found Orya guilty on all counts, underscoring the judiciary’s firm stance against financial misconduct involving public institutions.