A former member of the House of Representatives from State, Farouk Lawan, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment for demanding and accepting a $500,000 bribe has regained his freedom.
He was found guilty of soliciting a $3 million bribe from Femi Otedola, a Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon while serving as chairman of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating fuel subsidy fraud in 2012.
The Supreme Court upheld his conviction on January 26, 2024.
In a terse statement after regaining his freedom, Hon. Farouk said this is the beginning of a new chapter in his life while thanking Allah for keeping him alive and in good health.
“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.”
Below is a video of the former lawmaker leaving the Correctional Centre and pictures of him with his family:
