The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the cybercrime charges filed against two young Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, following appeals for leniency and a passionate plea from Shehu’s father.
The two defendants had been arraigned on Thursday, August 21, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of cyberstalking and spreading malicious information against the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC had accused them of offences bordering on cybercrime under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024 — a provision that criminalises certain forms of online harassment and harmful digital communication.
However, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reportedly softened his stance after considering pleas from Shehu’s family and appeals from concerned Nigerians who called for compassion.
In a move described as a gesture of mercy, Olukoyede ordered the immediate withdrawal of the charges against the two defendants.
The EFCC boss, while granting the reprieve, warned that the commission would not tolerate deliberate attempts to damage its reputation through false claims, attacks or malicious publications on any platform.
He assured Nigerians that the anti-graft agency would continue to discharge its duties in line with its mandate and in the interest of the country.
The development comes amid growing public debate over the balance between protecting institutions from online attacks and ensuring that young Nigerians are not unnecessarily punished for digital expression.
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