Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre, marking the end of his prison sentence.
After spending nearly two years in prison, Lawan walked out as a free man, ready to start what he called a “new chapter” in his life. His release followed a conviction in 2021 for soliciting and accepting bribes, a case that had shocked many Nigerians at the time.
Lawan’s exit from the prison was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Speaking to Vanguard on the phone, Duza stated, “Yes, he has been released having served his sentence.” With these words, it was clear that Lawan had completed his time behind bars and was now ready to face life outside prison walls.
Upon his release, Farouk Lawan issued a public statement, where he expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and his supporters. The former lawmaker seemed reflective and thankful for being alive and well after the difficult experience.
In his statement, he 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 to Allah (SWT) for seeing me through this trial.”
He went on to highlight his appreciation for his family and friends, stating, “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.”
Lawan concluded his remarks by expressing his sincere thanks to those who supported him during his challenging period in prison, saying, “I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life. May Allah SWT bless you.”
Lawan’s legal troubles began in 2012, when he was accused of demanding a $3 million bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. This was during an investigation led by a committee Lawan headed, which was looking into the oil subsidy scam that had rocked Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Lawan, who was once a respected federal lawmaker representing the Bagwai/Shanono constituency in Kano State, was caught in a sting operation while allegedly accepting $500,000 as part of the larger bribe. The purpose of the bribe was reportedly to ensure Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. was removed from a list of companies implicated in the subsidy fraud.
Following several years of legal proceedings, in 2021, Farouk Lawan was convicted for his involvement in the bribery case and was sentenced to prison. His conviction served as a stark reminder of the widespread corruption in the country’s oil industry and government at the time.
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Video: Moment Farouk Lawan left Kuje Prison
A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan has regained his freedom after serving his jail term at the Kuje Custodial Centre.https://t.co/uCPBfXBOIi pic.twitter.com/VkEAfOlyp4
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) October 22, 2024
