Amanze Chinonye
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Roberts Orya, to a cumulative 490 years’ imprisonment for bank fraud involving N2.4 billion, Prime Business Africa reports.
Justice F.E. Messiri delivered the judgment on Thursday, February 5, 2026, finding Orya guilty on all 49 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Orya was arraigned in 2021 on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and advance fee fraud, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the prosecution, while serving as Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Orya fraudulently induced the bank to disburse several loans to Treasuremix Construction Limited under the false representation that Luxurium Leisure Services Limited had applied for and was the beneficiary of the facilities.
One of the charges stated that on September 21, 2011, Orya caused NEXIM Bank to release N488 million as a loan based on false pretences. Another count revealed that on February 19, 2013, he similarly induced the bank to disburse N630 million under the same scheme.
Orya pleaded not guilty to all the charges, prompting a full trial. During proceedings, the EFCC, through its prosecuting counsel, Samuel Ugwuebulam, called seven witnesses whose testimonies the court held were credible and compelling.
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In his judgment, Justice Messiri ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Orya on all 49 counts. The court sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, amounting to a total of 490 years. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Orya served as Managing Director of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016. He was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on August 14, 2009, and later reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 18, 2014.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
