The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has ordered the withdrawal of cybercrime charges filed against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad.
Both defendants had been arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations relating to cyber stalking and the publication of information the commission considered malicious.
Barely a day after the arraignment, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede directed that the charges be discontinued.
The commission said the decision was taken on compassionate grounds following appeals for leniency.
According to an EFCC statement, the chairman considered pleas and apologies from Shehu’s father as well as interventions by other Nigerians.
The commission nevertheless maintained that the conduct that led to the arraignment fell within provisions of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Act as amended.
The withdrawal means the EFCC will no longer pursue the charges in the form in which they were filed.
Olukoyede also warned that the commission would continue to defend its institutional reputation against what it considered deliberate attacks.
The EFCC said it would remain focused on its statutory responsibilities and operate in what it described as the national interest.
The development brought a rapid end to a prosecution that had attracted public attention because of the nature of the allegations and the speed with which the charges were withdrawn.
