Nigeria's EFCC Withdraws Cybercrime Charges on Compassionate Grounds

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ordered the withdrawal of cybercrime charges against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, just 21 hours after their arraignment. The decision came from EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who cited compassionate grounds for dropping the case.

The two individuals had been brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, facing allegations related to cybercrime and spreading malicious information about the commission. The charges specifically mentioned cyber stalking, which is contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended) 2024.

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To this end, he has directed that charges filed against the two young Nigerians be dropped and warned that the EFCC would no longer tolerate any wilful attack on its image in any form, medium or platform.

According to a statement released by the commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC chairman considered the passionate pleas and apologies from Shehu's father, as well as appeals from "well-meaning Nigerians" for leniency. Despite the legal grounds for the charges, Olukoyede directed that the case against the two young Nigerians be dropped.

However, the EFCC chairman also issued a stern warning, stating that the commission "would no longer tolerate any wilful attack on its image in any form, medium or platform." He assured the public that the EFCC remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and acting in the best interests of the nation. The withdrawal highlights a potential balancing act between enforcing the law and exercising discretion based on humanitarian considerations and public appeals.

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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.