Farouk Lawan, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after serving a five-year sentence for bribery. Lawan was convicted in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from billionaire oil mogul Femi Otedola during a legislative probe into the fuel subsidy regime in 2012.
Background of the Case
Lawan headed the ad-hoc committee investigating the multi-billion-naira fraud in the subsidy scheme during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Initially known for his strong anti-corruption stance, Lawan’s reputation was marred by the bribery scandal. His committee had indicted Otedola’s Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd, accusing it of fraudulently obtaining $230 million in foreign exchange.
Lawan removed Zenon Oil’s name from the list of indicted firms after receiving the bribe. Both Lawan and Otedola claimed the money was given as evidence of bribery against each other. However, Otedola reported Lawan’s alleged extortion to the State Security Service, leading to a sting operation that captured Lawan collecting the bribe.
The Bribery Scandal
Lawan removed Zenon Oil’s name from the list of indicted firms after receiving the bribe. Both Lawan and Otedola claimed the money was given as evidence of bribery against each other. However, Otedola reported Lawan’s alleged extortion to the State Security Service, leading to a sting operation that captured Lawan collecting the bribe.
Legal Journey
Lawan was convicted on all three charges in 2021 but had his sentence reduced from seven years to five by the Court of Appeal in 2022. The Supreme Court affirmed his conviction earlier this year.
Upon release, Lawan expressed gratitude to God and those who supported him during his incarceration, saying, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life… I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends.”
Add Comment