October 22, 2024
A former member of the House of Representatives Farouk Lawan has regained freedom after serving a five-year jail term at Kuje Custodial Centre.
In the wake of fuel subsidy removal in January 2012 which led to nationwide protests and strikes, the former lawmaker was Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe which reportedly had an estimated scam of $6.8 billion.
Lawan, who represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the House of Representatives was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for soliciting and accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, .
Spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, Adamu Duza confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating “Yes, he has been released having served his sentence.”
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Reacting after regaining freedom, Lawan Farouk expressed gratitude to God, families and associates.
In a 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.
“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.”
Before his predicament, Lawan, was one of the most influential lawmakers in the National Assembly and a kingmaker of some sorts as he was practically involved in the emergence of all Speakers of the House before 2015.
