The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges against two young Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned over alleged cybercrime and the dissemination of malicious information against the commission.

The duo were arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to the EFCC, the defendants were charged under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, relating to cyberstalking.

However, Olukoyede ordered that the charges be withdrawn after considering pleas for leniency, including an emotional appeal and apology from Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.

The EFCC chairman, while directing the withdrawal of the charges, warned that the commission would not tolerate what it described as wilful attacks on its image through any medium or platform.

Olukoyede also assured Nigerians that the anti-graft agency would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with its statutory mandate and in the best interest of the country.

The development means the charges against Shehu and Abdulhamad will no longer proceed following the directive of the EFCC chairman.