EFCC Withdraws Charges Against Maryam, Abubakar Following Pleas For Leniency

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges against two young Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and malicious publications against the Commission.

The two defendants were arraigned on Thursday, August 21, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to a statement by the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, the charges bordered on alleged cyberstalking, which the Commission said fell under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and was punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the Act.

However, in a compassionate intervention, Olukoyede directed that the charges be withdrawn after considering the passionate pleas and apologies offered by Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians for leniency.

The EFCC chairman’s decision effectively brings an end to the prosecution of the two young Nigerians, in what the commission described as a willingness to consider appeals for mercy in appropriate circumstances.

While ordering the withdrawal of the charges, Olukoyede warned that the EFCC would not tolerate deliberate attacks on its image through any medium, platform or channel.

He nevertheless assured Nigerians that the anti-graft agency would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities in accordance with its mandate and in the overall interest of the nation.

The Commission urged members of the public to remain mindful of the consequences of disseminating information capable of undermining its operations or reputation, while reaffirming its commitment to fighting economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.