Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Unity Star Television Africa
Abuja, Nigeria
Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives from Kano State, has regained his freedom after serving a five-year jail term for demanding and accepting a $500,000 bribe.
Lawan was convicted in 2021 for accepting the bribe from Femi Otedola, then chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, in a sting operation.
Lawan’s case began in 2012 when he chaired the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing the multi-billion naira petrol subsidy fraud. He was accused of demanding $3 million from Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the list of oil companies allegedly involved in the petrol subsidy scam.
A Brief Timeline of the Case
– 2012: Lawan chairs the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing the petrol subsidy fraud.
– 2021: Lawan is convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for accepting the bribe.
– 2022: A court of appeal reduces his sentence to five years and acquits him of two of the three counts.
– 2024: The Supreme Court affirms Lawan’s conviction and upholds the appeal court’s verdict.
– October 22, 2024: Lawan is released from Kuje Custodial Centre after serving his five-year sentence.
Lawan expressed gratitude to Allah and his supporters upon his release, stating that he was grateful to be alive and in good health. His release marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.