Farouk Lawan, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has been released from the Kuje Correctional facility in Abuja after serving a five-year jail term. Lawan was convicted of accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola while investigating the multi-billion naira fuel subsidy fraud in 2012.
Upon his release, Lawan expressed gratitude to Allah and his supporters, stating, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I step out of Kuje Custodial Centre, with a heart full of gratitude to Allah SWT for seeing me through this trial.”
Lawan also thanked friends and family for their unwavering support during his incarceration. “My gratitude is deep, I’m alive and in good health and high spirits to be with my family, friends, and associates. I don’t take that for granted,” he said.
Lawan’s journey to freedom began in 2021 when the Court of Appeal in Abuja sentenced him to five years in prison. He was found guilty of seeking and accepting the bribe while chairing the House of Representatives Committee on Fuel Subsidy.
Despite appealing the verdict at the Supreme Court, the apex court upheld the decision in January 2024. Justice John Okoro’s lead judgment, read by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, stated that Lawan’s appeal lacked merit, leading to its dismissal.
As part of his sentence, Lawan was ordered to refund $500,000 to the Federal Government. His case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, particularly in the oil industry.
Lawan’s release marks a new beginning for the former lawmaker. “I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life,” he said.
