The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn cybercrime charges against two Nigerians, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, shortly after they were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The decision was approved by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, following appeals for leniency, including a plea and apology from Shehu’s father and requests from concerned Nigerians.

The two defendants were separately arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over allegations involving cybercrime and publications the commission said were capable of damaging its reputation.

The EFCC had initially charged them under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, with the alleged offences punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the law.

But after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the cases, Olukoyede directed that the charges be withdrawn.

The commission said the EFCC chairman “compassionately ordered the withdrawal of charges preferred against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad.”

It explained that the decision was influenced by “the passionate pleas and apologies of Shehu’s father and appeals of well-meaning Nigerians for leniency.”

“To this end, he has directed that charges filed against the two young Nigerians be dropped,” the EFCC said.

Despite the withdrawal, the commission cautioned against actions it considers deliberate attempts to damage its reputation or undermine its operations.

Olukoyede warned that “the EFCC would no longer tolerate any wilful attack on its image in any form, medium or platform.”

He also reiterated the commission’s commitment to carrying out its responsibilities within the law and in the interest of the country.

“The EFCC’s boss assured Nigerians that the Commission would continue to function in line with its assigned mandate and in the best interests of the nation,” the statement said.

The development came one day after the defendants were arraigned and ordered to be held in separate correctional facilities.

Shehu was accused of using her Instagram account, @maryamshehu, to publish claims that EFCC officials assaulted a man identified as Ahmed Uthman, allegedly acting on the instructions of a Zonal Director who was said to have received N20 million from Usman Iya Abbas.

Abdulhamad, meanwhile, was accused of creating an image made to look like an official EFCC arrest placard and posting it on his X account, @shuraimi.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Following their arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Shehu be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State, while Abdulhamad was taken to the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.

The court had fixed August 31 for the hearing of their bail applications and commencement of trial before the EFCC moved to withdraw the charges.