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A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has said regaining freedom after serving his jail term marks a new chapter in his life.
Lawan expressed gratitude to God for releasing him from prison.
Speaking after his release from Kuje Correctional Facility, Lawan said: “Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.
“Today marks the start of a new chapter in my life as I leave Kuje Custodial Centre. I am immensely thankful to Allah SWT for guiding me through this trial.”
Lawan, who served as the Chairman of the Advocacy Committee on the fuel subsidy regime, had accused oil magnate Femi Otedola of demanding a $3 million bribe.
In a counter move, Otedola accused Lawan of receiving a total of $500,000 in bribes.
Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
In a unanimous judgEment, a five-member panel affirmed the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Lawan’s sentencing to five years in respect of only count three of the three-count charge on which he was tried at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In the lead judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro but read on Friday by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the apex court found that Lawan’s appeal was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.
However, the former House of Representatives member regained his freedom on Tuesday.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom.
This followed the completion of his five-year jail term in Kuje Prison.
In January, the Supreme Court had affirmed the five-year jail term handed to Lawan by the Court of Appeal.
Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel affirmed the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld Lawan’s sentencing to five years in respect of only count three on the three-count charge on which he was tried at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In the lead judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro but read by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the apex court found that Lawan’s appeal was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.
However, a video on Tuesday showed Lawan’s release from Kuje prison.
Video:
A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom after serving a 5-year jail term in Kuje Prison.
He was convicted for receiving a bribe of $500,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedola. pic.twitter.com/ok5qKj6FEq
— Daily Nigerian (@daily_nigerian) October 22, 2024
Days after the Senate Chief Whip and Borno South Senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, came under attack from the Presidency for criticising President Bola Tinubu over the state of the nation, the immediate-past President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has distanced himself from an anti-Tinubu comment.
An online news portal had quoted Lawan as purportedly blaming some of President Tinubu administration’s policies for causing hunger and untoward hardship on Nigerians.
But, Lawan has denied the online report credited to him, describing it as untrue, insensitive and divisive.
In a statement signed by his media adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, a copy of which was sent to LEADERSHIP on Monday, the Yobe North Senator strongly condemned and categorically denied the online report, saying it was false and malicious.
“This statement is not only untrue but also deeply insensitive and divisive. The false report is a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of disunity amongst Nigerians. It is a clear fabrication designed by mischief makers to incite ethnic tensions and create political instability.
“The malicious report is a figment of the imagination of those who seek to stoke ethnic division and undermine national harmony. Senator Lawan will continue to work diligently by giving his full support as always to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress and unity of all Nigerians.
“We strongly condemn the recent wave of fake news and misinformation on various online social platforms aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of Nigerians in the President Tinubu-led government.
“Senator Lawan recognises and appreciates the efforts of the administration to tackle the myriad of issues confronting our country. Senator Lawan commends the President and his team for implementing their vision – The Renewed Hope Agenda – for a better Nigeria,” he stated.
Tabiowo noted that Senator Lawan stands firmly in support of President Tinubu, whom he campaigned vigorously for ahead of the 2023 General Election, adding he remained committed to working with the Tinubu’s administration for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Accordingly, we urge all Nigerians to be vigilant and responsible in their consumption of information. We also encourage the public to rely on credible sources and to reject fake news that is intended to mislead and divide.
“We urge the media and the general public to disregard this false and misleading report. We also sternly warn those responsible for spreading malicious fabrication to desist from such irresponsible and divisive behaviour as legal action against them will be pursued without hesitation going forward,” he stated.