Olukoyede Orders Withdrawal of Charges Against Maryam Shehu, Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges preferred against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned on Thursday, August 21, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime and the dissemination of malicious information against the Commission.

While the Commission considered the arraignment of the two defendants for alleged cyberstalking under 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, the Executive Chairman nonetheless considered the passionate pleas and apologies from Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians for leniency.

To this end, Olukoyede directed that the charges filed against the two young Nigerians be withdrawn.

He, however, warned that the EFCC would not tolerate wilful attacks on its image in any form, through any medium or on any platform.

The EFCC Chairman assured Nigerians that the Commission would continue to carry out its mandate in accordance with the law and in the best interests of the nation.