Farouk Lawan Regains Freedom After 5 Years for Corruption Conviction

Ex-House Member Farouk Lawan Freed After Serving Bribery Sentence

“I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me...”

Former Nigerian Lawmaker Farouk Lawan Released After 5-Year Jail Term for Receiving $500,000 Bribe in Fuel Subsidy Scandal

Farouk Lawan, a former House of Representatives member, has regained his freedom after serving a five-year prison sentence for receiving a $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas. Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting the bribe during a legislative probe into the fuel subsidy regime back in 2012.

Upon his release from the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja on Tuesday, October 22, Lawan expressed gratitude to Allah SWT for seeing him through the trial. He also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support during that challenging time in his life. In a statement, Lawan said, “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.”

Lawan's case is a significant example of the consequences of corruption within the political sphere. The Supreme Court upheld his five-year sentence, despite his appeal to set aside the judgment. This decision highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in combating corruption.

Pointers:

Farouk Lawan's Release: Completed five-year prison sentence for receiving $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola.

Conviction and Sentence: Convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting bribe during fuel subsidy probe.

Lawan's Statement: Expressed gratitude to Allah SWT and friends and family for support during trial.

Corruption Case: Significant example of consequences of corruption within political sphere. 

“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.

“I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life.”