EFCC Chairman Orders Withdrawal Of Charges Against Maryam Shehu, Abdulhamad

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has directed the immediate withdrawal of charges filed against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, the two young Nigerians were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, August 21, 2026, over allegations bordering on cybercrime and the circulation of malicious information about the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC had alleged that the defendants engaged in cyberstalking in a manner considered to be contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

However, after considering appeals for leniency, Olukoyede ordered that the charges against the defendants be withdrawn.

The EFCC chairman reportedly took the decision following a passionate appeal and apology from Shehu’s father, as well as interventions from other Nigerians who called for leniency in the matter.

Despite directing the withdrawal of the charges, Olukoyede warned that the Commission would not tolerate deliberate attacks on its reputation through any medium or platform.

He maintained that the EFCC would continue to carry out its responsibilities in accordance with its statutory mandate and in the overall interest of the country.

The decision brings an end to the immediate legal proceedings against Shehu and Abdulhamad over the allegations that led to their arraignment.