The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a dismissed officer and former exhibit keeper of its Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Polycarp Andrew, before the Kaduna State High Court over the alleged theft of more than N22 million worth of exhibit funds kept in his custody.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commission said the arraignment underscored its commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within its workforce.
Andrew, who was dismissed from service, was arrested in Taraba State after allegedly stealing the funds while serving as exhibit keeper at the Kaduna Zonal Directorate. He reportedly absconded after internal checks linked him to the missing sums.
He was arraigned before Justice A. Bello on a six-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and theft of exhibit funds.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Andrew Polycarp, being a public servant (Exhibit Keeper) in the employment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, between 26th January to 11th October 2023… and in such capacity entrusted with the sum of $11,900 (N10,936,338.26) for safe keeping, did commit criminal breach of trust… an offence punishable under section 300 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.”
Another charge states: “That you, Andrew Polycarp… between 6th October 2023 to 27th July 2024… entrusted with the sum of $3,800 (N5,989,900)… did commit criminal breach of trust… an offence punishable under section 300 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.”
A third count alleges the theft of $2,800 (N3,800,000) between January and June 2024.
Andrew pleaded not guilty to all the charges upon arraignment on May 5, 2025.
Following his plea, the EFCC prosecuting counsel, H. M. Mohammed, requested a date for trial commencement. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Mohammed informed the court of his readiness to call two witnesses—an EFCC officer and an official of Opay Bank.
However, the defence counsel, D. B. Kwajafa, said he was not prepared to proceed, arguing that the defence required additional time to study a flash drive containing video recordings of the defendant’s extra-judicial statement. He asked the court for an adjournment.
Mohammed opposed the application, stating that the flash drive was not relevant at the current stage of proceedings.
Justice Bello, after hearing both parties, adjourned the case to December 11, 2025, for further hearing.
