The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Robert Orya, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), on charges of fraud amounting to approximately N2.4 billion.
Orya, who served as NEXIM’s MD from 2011 to 2016, was found guilty by Justice F.E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. He faced a 49-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, official corruption, fraud, and abuse of office. The court sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment on each count, resulting in a total of 490 years behind bars.
The prosecution, led by EFCC’s Samuel Ugwuegbulam, argued that Orya abused his position to siphon funds from the bank during his tenure. Details of the case, as outlined in the initial arraignment in 2021, accused him of inducing NEXIM to disburse loans under false pretenses, including a N488 million payment to a company under the guise of benefiting another entity. The fraud allegedly involved over N1.3 billion at the time of charging, but the final conviction encompassed a broader N2.4 billion in misappropriated funds.
This case has been ongoing since Orya’s arraignment in November 2021, highlighting the EFCC’s persistent pursuit of high-profile corruption cases. Orya had previously denied the allegations, describing them as “wild and untrue” in earlier statements related to similar probes. However, the court’s ruling today underscores Nigeria’s commitment to holding public officials accountable.
The EFCC had brought the 49-count charge alleging that Orya fraudulently diverted funds amounting to about N2.4 billion, a case that concluded with his conviction and substantial prison term at the Abuja High Court.
In delivering judgment, Justice Messiri found the former bank chief guilty on all counts, reflecting the court’s stance on financial impropriety involving public-interest institutions.
