Former Lawmaker, Farouk Lawan Released From Prison After Serving 5-Year Jail Term

Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has been released after serving a five-year prison sentence for accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman, Femi Otedola.

Lawan was convicted in 2021 for taking the bribe from Otedola, the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, in exchange for removing Otedola’s company from a list of firms involved in a fuel subsidy fraud.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Samson Duza, confirmed Lawan’s release, stating, “Lawan was released this morning after completing his jail term.”

In a statement following his release, Lawan expressed his gratitude to God and described this moment as the start of a new chapter in his life.

The former lawmaker also extended his appreciation to those who supported him during this challenging time.

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.

“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”.

A video shared on Tuesday captured the moment of Farouk Lawan’s release from Kuje prison.

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has ordered the detention of Ganiyu Oyedepo, a well-known NURTW leader, popularly known as Koko Zaria, in prison.