By Daniel Peters
A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom after serving a five-year jail term.
Lawan, who 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, represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the House of Representatives.
The former lawmaker was Chairman of House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe.
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.”
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”, Lawan stated.
