Former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has declared that stepping out of Kuje Custodial Centre today, a free man, marks a new chapter in his life.
Farouk Lawan regained his freedom after serving his jail term at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
Spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, Adamu Duza, confirmed the development to Vanguard.
“Yes, he has been released having served his sentence,” Duza said on the phone.
Farouk Lawan reacts
Reacting in a press statement he personally signed, Farouk Lawan expressed gratitude to God, his family and friends.
He said: “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.”
Background
Lawan 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.
The former federal lawmaker represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the House of Representatives.
He was accused of demanding $3 million from Otedola to remove Zenon from the list of oil companies allegedly involved in the petrol subsidy scam, which rocked the nation some years ago.
Below is a video and pictures of Farouk Lawan leaving Kuje Custodial Centre, and with family and friends.