The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn charges against two young Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, following a directive from the commission's chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The decision came after their arraignment on August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The two defendants faced allegations of cybercrime and spreading malicious information against the commission. The charges were based on cyber stalking, which the EFCC said contravened Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and was punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the same law.
Reasons Behind the EFCC's Decision
Olukoyede chose to drop the case after considering an emotional appeal made by Shehu's father, who is a final-year student at Bayero University Kano (BUK). The EFCC boss also took into account calls from members of the public urging the commission to show mercy to the defendants.
In a statement, Olukoyede directed that all charges against the two individuals be formally dropped. He also used the occasion to issue a firm warning to Nigerians that the commission will no longer accept deliberate attempts to damage its reputation, regardless of the medium or platform used.
EFCC's Commitment to Its Mandate
Olukoyede reassured the public that the EFCC remains committed to carrying out its mandate in the best interest of Nigeria. The commission's decision to withdraw the charges reflects its responsiveness to public sentiment while maintaining its stance against reputational attacks.
This development comes amid other legal actions involving the EFCC. Earlier, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the state's attorney-general to withdraw a lawsuit filed against the commission over the freezing of the state government's bank account. Adeleke made the announcement during an interview with Channels Television, hours after he was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election, citing President Bola Tinubu's direct intervention as the reason for the decision.
Implications for the Defendants and the Commission
The withdrawal of charges means that Shehu and Abdulhamad will no longer face prosecution for the alleged offenses. The case had drawn public attention due to the involvement of a university student and the nature of the allegations, which centered on social media activity.
The EFCC's action underscores its willingness to review cases based on humanitarian considerations, while the chairman's warning signals a stricter approach to future incidents involving the commission's image. The commission has not indicated whether it will pursue any further action against the defendants or others involved in similar activities.
