The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn charges filed against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and the dissemination of malicious information against the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordered the withdrawal of the charges following appeals for leniency and apologies from Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.
The two defendants were arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Commission had accused them of cyberstalking, an offence it said contravened Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the same law.
However, Olukoyede, while acknowledging the allegations against the defendants, considered the pleas and appeals for leniency and directed that the charges be withdrawn.
The EFCC, in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the decision was made after the Commission considered the circumstances surrounding the case.
According to the statement, the EFCC chairman also warned that the Commission would not tolerate what it described as wilful attacks on its image through any form, medium or platform.
‘The Executive Chairman, nonetheless, considered the passionate pleas and apologies of Shehu’s father and appeals of well-meaning Nigerians for leniency,’ the statement said.
‘To this end, he has directed that charges filed against the two young Nigerians be dropped and warned that the EFCC would no longer tolerate any wilful attack on its image in any form, medium or platform.’
The Commission assured Nigerians that it would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities in accordance with its mandate and in the best interests of the country.