TransparencIT - Corruption Cases in Nigeria

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Bribery

Jul 16, 2025

FRN vs Farouq Lawan (Former Member of House of Representatives)

Farouq Lawan

$500,000.00
Amount allegedly involved

Case Summary
The defendant, who was a Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of Oil Subsidy, allegedly demanded a bribe of $3 million in order to remove the company name of the complainant from the list of indicted oil companies.

4,541
Day(s) case tried in court

Case Update
In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge thereafter convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, with an option of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, the convict forfeited his iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro and the sum of $500.00 (Five Hundred Dollars), being the tools of his crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Hon. Justice A. O. Otaluka
FCT High Court, Lugbe, Abuja

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - complied

Case Information

Farouq Lawan

Presiding Judge & Designated Court

Hon. Justice A. O. Otaluka, FCT High Court, Lugbe, Abuja

Nature and Number of Charges

3-count amended charge bordering on bribery and abuse of office.

Date of 1st Arraignment

Feb 1, 2013

Summary of Case

The defendant, who was a Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of Oil Subsidy, allegedly demanded a bribe of $3 million in order to remove the company name of the complainant from the list of indicted oil companies.

Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment

1. Farouq Lawan (Former Member House of Representatives) – Not guilty

Defence Counsel(s)

1. Mike Ozekhome (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)

Prosecuting Agency

Office of the Attorney General of the Federation

Prosecutor(s)

1. Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)

Status of Case

Decided

Decision

Convicted

Length of Trial

4,541 day(s)

ACJA/ACJL Compliance

Complied

Court Decision

In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge thereafter convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, with an option of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, the convict forfeited his iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro and the sum of $500.00 (Five Hundred Dollars), being the tools of his crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.