The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges filed against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, August 21, 2026.
The two young Nigerians were charged with alleged cybercrime and peddling malicious information against the Commission.
The EFCC had considered the alleged cyberstalking to be contrary to 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 Act.
However, Olukoyede, in a compassionate gesture, directed that the charges be withdrawn following the passionate pleas and apologies made by Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians seeking leniency for the two defendants.
Consequently, the EFCC chairman directed that the charges against the two young Nigerians be dropped.
Olukoyede, however, warned that the Commission would not tolerate deliberate attacks on its image through any form, medium or platform.
He assured Nigerians that the EFCC would continue to discharge its mandate in accordance with the law and in the best interests of the nation.
