Former Nigerian lawmaker, Farouk Lawan, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after serving his sentence. Lawan, who was once a powerful figure in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, had been convicted of accepting a bribe in relation to a fuel subsidy investigation.
The news of his release was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Adamu Duza. Duza confirmed the development in a brief statement, saying, “Yes, he has been released having served his sentence.”
Lawan expressed gratitude upon his release, emphasizing his thankfulness to God for allowing him to complete his term in good health.
In a statement shared with the media, he said, “I Thank Almighty Allah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. 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. 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 also extended his appreciation to his family and friends who stood by him throughout his ordeal. He stated, “I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life. May Allah bless you.”
Farouk Lawan was once a highly influential lawmaker in Nigeria. He had represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the House of Representatives, a seat he held for four consecutive terms. Elected first in 1999, Lawan was reelected in 2003, 2007, and 2011, making him a long-standing figure in Nigeria’s legislative politics.
During his tenure, Lawan held several key roles, including chairing the influential “Integrity Group” in the House. This group was instrumental in the impeachment of then-Speaker Patricia Etteh. Due to his influence, Lawan played a key role in the emergence of several Speakers of the House of Representatives prior to 2015, earning him a reputation as a kingmaker in Nigeria’s political circles.
However, his downfall came in 2012 when he was involved in a scandal related to a fuel subsidy investigation. In January 2012, amid nationwide protests over the removal of fuel subsidies, Lawan chaired a parliamentary committee investigating the subsidy regime.
His committee revealed massive fraud, estimating a scam of around $6.8 billion. However, in February 2013, Lawan was accused of demanding a $3 million bribe from Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola. Otedola, who was the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, had alleged that Lawan sought to remove Zenon from the list of companies implicated in the subsidy fraud.
Lawan was eventually convicted for accepting $500,000 of the bribe in 2021. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, though this was later reduced to five years by an appellate court. The sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in January 2024, ensuring that Lawan would serve the full reduced term.
