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 the 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.
He said; “I Thank Almighty Allah. 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 bless you”.
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.