EFCC Arraigns Two for Alleged Cybercrime and Malicious Fabrication

​Two individuals have been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to face charges related to cybercrime and the intentional dissemination of false information targeting the agency’s reputation.

​The defendants, Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

​Case Details

• ​Maryam Isah Shehu: Arraigned on an amended one-count charge regarding social media activity on Instagram. She is accused of publishing claims alleging that EFCC officials assaulted an individual under instructions from a Zonal Director.
• ​Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad: Arraigned on a separate one-count charge concerning a post on X (formerly Twitter). He is accused of fabricating an official arrest placard featuring a fictitious suspect to mislead the public.

​Both defendants entered pleas of “not guilty” when the charges were read.

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​Court Proceedings and Remand

​During the session, prosecution counsel requested a trial date while asking for Shehu to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. Defense counsel presented their respective bail applications, requesting different arrangements for their clients’ custody pending the next court appearance.

​Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Shehu remain remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, while Abdulhamad is held at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned for the formal hearing of the bail applications and the commencement of the trial.

​Note: The EFCC stated that these arraignments form part of ongoing efforts to address online impersonation, fabrication, and deliberate attempts to tarnish the anti-corruption agency’s image.