By Daniel Peters.
Farouk Lawan, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has been released after serving a five-year prison sentence.
Our correspondent recalls that Lawan was convicted in 2021 for soliciting and accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
He had represented the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency in Kano State and was Chairman of the House’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Fuel Subsidy Probe.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Adamu Duza, confirmed Lawan’s release on Tuesday, stating, “Yes, he has been released having served his sentence.”
In his first statement after gaining freedom, Lawan expressed gratitude to God, his family, and his associates.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I leave Kuje Custodial Centre.
“I am deeply thankful to Allah for seeing me through this trial. I am alive, in good health, and in high spirits to be reunited with my loved ones. I do not take that for granted,”he said.
Exited by Dada Ahmed.
