Former Nigerian Lawmaker, Farouk Lawan, Released from Prison after 5 Years

Farouk Lawan, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has regained his freedom after serving a five-year prison sentence for corruption.

Lawan was convicted of accepting a $500,000 bribe while chairing an ad-hoc committee investigating fuel subsidy fraud in 2012. He had solicited a $3 million bribe from Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola.

The Supreme Court upheld his conviction on January 26, 2024, following appeals. Initially sentenced to seven years, the Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to five years.

Lawan’s case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within its political ranks. His release from Kuje Prison marks the end of his jail term, but the legacy of his conviction remains a significant reminder of the consequences of corruption.