The Kaduna State High Court has postponed the trial of Polycarp Andrew, a former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer, to December 11, 2025.

Andrew, previously an exhibit keeper at the EFCC’s Kaduna zonal office, was dismissed after being accused of stealing exhibits worth over ₦22 million.

He was arraigned on May 5, 2025, facing six counts of criminal breach of trust, to which he pleaded not guilty.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, H.M. Mohammed, counsel for the EFCC, announced readiness to present two witnesses—a fellow EFCC officer and an Opay staff member.

However, the defense counsel, D.B. Kwajafa, requested more time to prepare, citing the recent receipt of a flash drive containing a video of Andrew’s extra-judicial statement.

Kwajafa argued that the defendant needed time to review the material for a fair defense. Mohammed opposed the request, asserting that the video was irrelevant at this stage of the trial.

Justice A. Bello, after hearing both sides, granted the defense’s request and adjourned the case.

Andrew allegedly fled to Taraba State after diverting funds kept in his custody between 2023 and 2024, including sums of $11,900 (₦10.9 million), $3,800 (₦5.9 million), and $2,800 (₦3.8 million).

The charges against him violate Section 300 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), has congratulated the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on his re-election victory last Saturday.

While congratulating the governor, whose wife Dr. Nonye Soludo, is a Patroness of the group, the leader of the NFSS in Anambra State, Commander Mazi Destiny Emmanuel Jonas, expressed optimism in continued partnership towards safeguarding Anambra State.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with this administration in safeguarding our forests, combating illegal logging, and enhancing the security of all communities across Anambra State,” Commander Jonas said.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the NFSS in Anambra State, CFS Chibuikem Nneke, the group said they were confident in Governor Soludo’s renewed mandate which they affirm speaks to the viability of the governor’s vision of a prosperous and safer Anambra State.

“This renewed mandate is a testament to the confidence the people of Anambra place in the governor’s vision for a safer, more prosperous state”, the statement added

Similarly, the NFSS extended it’s congratulatory message to their Patroness, Dr. Nonye Soludo, saying: “We also wish to extend our congratulations to Mr. Governor’s wife, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo (Mama Healthy Living), the beloved Mama Anambra whose pioneering role as the only female National Patroness of the NFSS has inspired countless women and youth in our service.

“Her unwavering support and patronage have strengthened our mission and uplifted the morale of our officers. Congratulations, Madam Patroness, and we are sure that her dedication will continue to be a beacon of hope for the entire Anambra State and Forest Security Service”, NFSS affirmed.

It however, wished Soludo and his wife a remarkable second term in office, filled with landmark achievements.

The Federal Government has suspended its earlier plan to implement a 15% import duty on petroleum products, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement signed by George Ene-Ita, Director of the Public Affairs Department, NMDPRA, the agency said the policy is “no longer in view” and urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying.

President Bola Tinubu had approved the controversial tariff on October 29, 2025, following a proposal by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The plan sought to impose a 15% duty on petrol and diesel imports to align import costs with domestic market realities.

The proposal, which had been scheduled to take effect on November 21, 2025, was also meant to encourage local refining by making imported fuel more expensive. The move was widely seen as an effort to protect investments in Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries across the country.

However, experts had warned that the new tariff could push pump prices higher by as much as ₦150 per litre, worsening inflation and transportation costs for consumers.

In its Thursday statement, NMDPRA clarified that the policy would not be implemented as earlier planned.

“It should be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Diesel is no longer in view,” the agency stated.

The regulator also assured Nigerians that there is adequate fuel supply nationwide, noting that the country’s stock remains within acceptable sufficiency levels during this peak demand period.

“There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations,” it added.

NMDPRA further warned against hoarding, panic buying, or artificial price hikes by marketers. It said it will continue to monitor the market and enforce measures to prevent any disruption in fuel distribution.

“The Authority remains committed to guaranteeing energy security and ensuring smooth supply and distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The agency also thanked industry stakeholders for their cooperation in maintaining stable fuel availability across the country.