The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Robert Orya, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), over a ₦2.4 billion fraud case.

Orya, who served as NEXIM’s Managing Director between 2011 and 2016, was found guilty on Thursday by Justice F.E. of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Abuja.

He was prosecuted by EFCC counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulam, on a 49-count charge bordering on fraud and abuse of office.Upon conviction, the court sentenced Orya to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the 49 counts.

More details are expected to emerge as the EFCC releases further information on the judgment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of all police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons across Nigeria, ordering their redeployment to focus on essential police responsibilities. This move aims to address the critical shortage of police personnel in many communities, particularly in remote areas, where security challenges have hampered effective protection of citizens.

Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the presidential directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, attended by top security chiefs. “The President has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties to ensure they concentrate on their core mandates of safeguarding the public,” Onanuga stated. He emphasized that VIPs seeking armed security details would now need to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as part of efforts to streamline security operations.

Onanuga highlighted that the decision stems from the pressing need to bolster police presence nationwide, especially in regions with limited officers, which has made defending communities increasingly difficult. In response to these challenges, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities. Onanuga noted that these measures are crucial for enhancing security across all localities and addressing current threats effectively.

The security meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi. Onanuga reiterated the administration’s commitment to reinforcing security infrastructure and ensuring that police resources are optimized for public safety. The directive takes immediate effect, marking a significant shift in VIP security protocols.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has attacked former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a thank you message, stating that he belongs to the zoo. This occurred after Obasanjo attended Fayose’s 65th birthday party, with the message sent via SMS and containing harsh criticisms.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, it was revealed that Obasanjo received the thank you note from Fayose, which quickly turned derogatory. Akinyemi provided the full text of Fayose’s SMS, which read: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but am not surprised because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely that’s where you belong. I kept quiet or did not reply you at the function so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are. It is also obvious that you have also lost your sanity OR should I say is the heightened stage of dementia. Not to worry Baba, I shall set the records straight in due course of time. Lastly I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought u back. Your leopard will never change his skin.”

Obasanjo replied to the message, as shared by Akinyemi, stating: “Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it unopened by me.” Akinyemi confirmed that the statement was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday, November 17, 2025. Akinyemi also noted that the former President had returned the money as mentioned in his response.