The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a dismissed officer and former exhibit keeper of its Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Polycarp Andrew, before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna, following his alleged involvement in the theft of over N22 million exhibits that were kept in his care.
In demonstration of its resolve to maintain the integrity of its officers and men, the anti-graft agency also arraigned Andrew before Justice A. Bello on a sixth-count charge of alleged criminal breach of trust and stealing of over N22 million exhibit.
Andrew was arrested in Taraba State after allegedly stealing over N22 million from the exhibit of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, while serving as the exhibit keeper of the directorate. He later absconded after investigations flagged him as the alleged culprit.
Andrew was arraigned on May 5, 2025, on a six-count charge of alleged criminal breach of trust. When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty to the offence.
The development prompted the EFCC’s prosecuting lawyer, H.M. Mohammed, to request a trial commencement date from the court.
When the matter came up for hearing on November 11, 2025, Mohammed informed the court of his readiness to present two witnesses, comprising an officer of the EFCC and an official from Opay bank.
But the defence lawyer, D.B. Kwajafa, informed the court that he was not ready for trial, arguing that his client was entitled to a fair hearing and adequate time to prepare for his defence.
Kwajafa further pleaded that he had been recently served with a flash drive containing the video recording of the extrajudicial statement made by his client during arrest, and sought an adjournment to review the statement.
Opposing the application for adjournment, Mohammed told the court that the flash drive in question was not relevant at this time of the hearing of the case, and urged the court to discountenance his argument.
After listening to both parties, Justice Bello adjourned the case till December 11, 2025, for further hearing.
