The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges filed against two young Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad.

The duo were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and malicious information against the Commission.

The duo were arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The EFCC had accused the defendants of cyberstalking, alleging that their actions contravened Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and were punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the Act.

However, Olukoyede, after considering the circumstances surrounding the case, directed that the charges against the defendants be withdrawn.

According to the EFCC, the decision followed passionate pleas and apologies made by Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians urging the Commission to show leniency.

The EFCC chairman subsequently directed that the charges filed against the two defendants be dropped.

While ordering the withdrawal, Olukoyede warned that the Commission would not tolerate what it described as wilful attacks on its image through any medium or platform.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the EFCC would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities in accordance with its mandate and in the best interests of the country.