Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from Kuje correctional facility, where he served a five-year jail term. </h2>

Lawan, who was convicted for his role in a bribery scandal related to the 2012 fuel subsidy regime, expressed deep gratitude to Allah for his release.

In a statement issued <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/former-lawmaker-farouk-lawan-released-after-serving-5-year-jail-term/mm9w7t5">shortly after leaving Kuje,</a> the ex-lawmaker reflected on his time in custody and what lay ahead.

“Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah,” Lawan said, beginning his message of thanksgiving. “Today marks the start of a new chapter in my life as I leave Kuje Custodial Centre. I am immensely thankful to Allah SWT for guiding me through this trial.”

Lawan’s legal troubles began during his tenure as chairman of the House of Representatives’ fuel subsidy committee.

In 2012, Nigerian oil magnate Femi Otedola accused <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/farouk-lawan-how-ex-rep-collected-dollar100000-bribe-from-femi-otedola/frmt55d">Lawan of soliciting a $3 million bribe to remove his company’s name from a list of firms implicated in the fuel subsidy fraud.</a> Although Otedola claimed Lawan received $500,000 as part of the deal, the former legislator denied any wrongdoing.

After a prolonged legal battle, Lawan was convicted of the charges and sentenced to five years in prison. Now released, he looks forward to a fresh start, though he remains controversial due to his involvement in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile bribery cases.

Lawan’s statement signals a period of reflection and transition, but his past actions continue to cast a shadow on his political legacy.

Ex-House of Reps lawmaker, Farouk Lawan. [Vangauard]

Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from Kuje correctional facility, where he served a five-year jail term.

Ex-lawmaker Farouk Lawan breaks silence after release from Kuje Prison

<h2>Farouk Lawan, a former House of Representatives member, has been released after completing a five-year prison sentence at Kuje Prison.</h2>

Lawan, once a key figure in Nigerian politics, was convicted in 2021 of<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/farouk-lawan-how-ex-rep-collected-dollar100000-bribe-from-femi-otedola/frmt55d"> accepting a $500,000 bribe</a> from Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

The Supreme Court affirmed Lawan's sentence earlier this year, upholding the Court of Appeal's ruling.

The unanimous decision by a five-member panel of justices cemented Lawan's conviction on count three of the three-count charge brought against him.

Justice John Okoro wrote the lead judgment, which was delivered by Justice Tijjani Abubakar and <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/supreme-court-upholds-5-year-jail-term-for-former-lawmaker-farouk-lawan/7r3g66e">dismissed Lawan's appeal.</a>

In its ruling, the apex court found no merit in the appeal. "The evidence was overwhelming, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal stands," the court concluded.

Lawan's legal battle ended with the confirmation of his <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/alleged-dollar620000-fuel-subsidy-scam-farouk-lawan-fails-to-open-defence/gz8wlsb">five-year sentence for corruption,</a> a high-profile case that sent ripples through Nigeria's political landscape.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom after serving a 5-year jail term in Kuje Prison. He was convicted for receiving a bribe of $500,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedola. <a href="https://t.co/ok5qKj6FEq">pic.twitter.com/ok5qKj6FEq</a>&mdash; Daily Nigerian (@daily_nigerian) <a href="https://twitter.com/daily_nigerian/status/1848693174459343181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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A video circulated on Tuesday, October 22, showing the moment of Lawan's release from Kuje prison sparked renewed discussions about corruption and accountability in Nigerian governance.

Lawan, who once chaired the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy, was a prominent figure before his conviction, which marked a significant fall from grace.

Farouk Lawan, a former House of Representatives member, has been released after completing a five-year prison sentence at Kuje Prison.

BREAKING: Former lawmaker Farouk Lawan released after serving 5-year jail term

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Farouk Lawan

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