Who is Farouk Lawan? The anti-corruption crusader jailed for bribery

Farouk Lawan is a former Nigerian lawmaker from Kano State, whose political career spanned several terms in the House of Representatives, beginning in 1999.

He became widely known for his role as chairman of the House ad-hoc committee investigating the fuel subsidy scandal in 2012.

Lawan had built a reputation for anti-corruption advocacy, but his career took a significant blow when he was accused of soliciting a $3 million bribe from oil magnate Femi Otedola to remove Otedola’s company, Zenon Petroleum, from the list of indicted firms in the fuel subsidy fraud investigation.

In June 2012, a video surfaced showing Lawan receiving a portion of the bribe — $620,000 — from Otedola in a sting operation orchestrated by the oil mogul and the Department of State Services (DSS).

This scandal marked a turning point in Lawan’s career, transforming him from a figurehead of accountability into one embroiled in a high-profile corruption case.

The bribery allegations shocked the public, given Lawan’s previous anti-corruption stance and his role in exposing the fuel subsidy fraud.

The legal battle that followed Lawan’s indictment was lengthy and involved multiple court appearances, four different judges, and several delays over eight years.

In June 2021, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sentenced him to seven years in prison after finding him guilty of receiving a bribe. He was convicted on counts of bribery and corruption, marking the conclusion of a long judicial process.

Lawan’s conviction was seen as a significant statement on corruption in Nigeria, a country long plagued by graft within its political and economic systems. His case served as a cautionary tale about how quickly political fortunes could change in the context of corruption scandals.

After serving part of his sentence, Lawan regained his freedom on October 22, 2024.

Lawan’s fall from grace remains one of the most widely discussed corruption cases in Nigeria’s history, particularly given his involvement in what was initially an anti-corruption investigation.

His case underscores the complex and often controversial nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, where allegations of corruption frequently surface, implicating even those who once championed transparency and accountability.