Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has been released after serving a five-year sentence for soliciting and accepting a $300,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola.

Lawan was freed from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement, Lawan expressed gratitude: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I leave Kuje Custodial Centre with a heart full of thanks to Allah SWT for seeing me through this trial.”

He extended his appreciation to family and friends for their unwavering support during what he described as “a particularly difficult phase” of his life.

“My gratitude runs deep. I am alive, in good health, and in high spirits to reunite with my family, friends, and associates. I do not take this for granted,” Lawan said.