EFCC Withdraws Charges Against Maryam Shehu And Abubakar Abdulhamad

EFCC Withdraws Charges Against Maryam Shehu and Abubakar Abdulhamad The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has ordered the withdrawal of charges against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, following their arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The two young Nigerians were arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over allegations bordering on cybercrime, cyberstalking and dissemination of malicious information against the EFCC. The commission had based the charges on Section 24 2 c of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The alleged offence carries punishment under Section 242c ii of the amended law. However, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede directed that the charges be withdrawn after considering appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and a plea for leniency and apology from Maryam Shehu’s father. The decision effectively brings the prosecution against the two defendants to an end, following their court appearance. While ordering the withdrawal, Olukoyede warned that the EFCC would not tolerate what it described as wilful attacks on the commission’s image, regardless of the platform used. The EFCC chairman nevertheless reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to carrying out its statutory responsibilities in the interest of the country. The development comes amid continuing public debate over the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly in cases involving online criticism and alleged harmful or malicious communications