News Investigators/ A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, who was jailed for bribery in 2021, has been released from Kuje prison.
Mr. Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono federal constituency of Kano for several years in the Green Chamber was sentenced in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from a prominent businessman, Femi Otedola.
Mr. Otedola, in a sting operation had arranged the money for Mr. Lawan in his house where the lawmaker was caught in the act by hidden cameras.
Mr. Otedola was then the Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and was under constant invitation by the House Committee for questioning.
The legal battle to convict Mr. Lawan dragged on to the Supreme Court where five years jail term was upheld for the former House of Representatives member.
His appeal sought to set aside the February 24, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sentenced him to a five-year jail term and discharged him on two out of the three counts on the corruption charge brought against him by the Federal Government failed.
Mr. Lawan walked out of Kuje prison on Tuesday after completing his jail term.
The lawmaker announced his freedom in a statement he personally penned on Tuesday.
The statement reads in full:
“Thank Almighty Allah – Hon Farouk Lawan
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 SWT bless you,” the ex-convict prayed.
$500k Bribe: Ex-Rep. Farouk Lawan Completes Jail Term, Praises God For Spearing His Life
