By Umar Faruk
A Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has regained his freedom after completing a five-year jail term at Kuje Correctional facility . Lawan was convicted in 2021 for accepting a $3 million bribe from Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon, Femi Otedola, chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
Lawan's imprisonment stemmed from his involvement in a bribery scandal during his time in office. He was caught on video accepting the bribe from Otedola, who had accused Lawan of demanding the payment to remove Zenon Petroleum from the list of companies allegedly involved in fuel subsidy fraud.
The Supreme Court upheld Lawan's conviction on January 26, 2024, rejecting his appeal and confirming the five-year sentence handed down by the Court of Appeal. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously decided that the Court of Appeal's 2022 judgment was valid and enforceable.
Lawan's sentencing pertained to count three of the three-count charge brought against him, related to bribery. His case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria's government. He served as chairman of the House of Representatives' ad-hoc committee investigating fuel subsidy fraud in 2012.
During this time, he solicited a $3 million bribe from Femi Otedola, which led to his conviction. Lawan was released from Kuje Prison on Tuesday morning, marking the end of his five-year sentence . A video emerged showing his release, confirming that he had completed his prison term.
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