The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the conviction and 490-year jail term for ex-NEXIM MD Robert Orya following a N2.4 billion fraud prosecution.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member appellate panel led by Justice Muhammed Danjuma dismissed the appeal for lacking merit.
Consequently, the appellate court upheld the earlier verdict of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Justice F.E. Messiri had found the former banking executive guilty of a 49-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Therefore, the ruling reinforces accountability as the 490-year jail term for ex-NEXIM MD stands intact across all counts.
Appellate court validates trial court judgment on financial crimes
Specifically, Justice Danjuma noted that the appellate court examined all legal briefs and lower court records before arriving at its final decision.
Furthermore, the panel resolved all issues in favor of the EFCC. The court confirmed that the prosecution proved allegations of forgery, advance fee fraud, and obtaining money under false pretences beyond reasonable doubt.
“This appeal is devoid of any merit and is hereby dismissed,” Justice Danjuma declared. “The judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is hereby affirmed.”
Moreover, Justices Ntong Festus Ntong and Ele Ejo Enenche concurred with the lead judgment. Thus, the court closed the legal battle over the N2.4 billion fraudulent loan disbursements.
Details of trial court conviction and concurrent sentencing
The legal battle originated from a 2021 arraignment involving unauthorized credit facilities issued during Orya’s tenure at the export-import bank.
Subsequently, on February 5, 2026, the trial court convicted Orya on all 49 charges, sentencing him to 10 years per count.
However, because the sentences run concurrently, Orya will serve a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Additionally, court documents showed that the EFCC presented seven witnesses and extensive financial records to secure the conviction.
Finally, the appellate ruling marks a significant judicial victory for anti-corruption agencies pursuing financial mismanagement in government institutions.
Historical leadership background at NEXIM Bank
Orya served as Managing Director of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016.
Late President Umaru Yar’Adua first appointed him on August 14, 2009. Later, former President Goodluck Jonathan reappointed him on August 18, 2014.
Consequently, anti-graft investigators probed loan books following his departure, exposing systemic abuses and fraudulent approvals.
Ultimately, stakeholders believe the decision enforcing the 490-year jail term for ex-NEXIM MD sends a clear deterrent message to public sector administrators.
