Lawan, once a key figure in Nigerian politics, was convicted in 2021 of accepting a $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
The Supreme Court affirmed Lawan’s sentence earlier this year, upholding the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
The unanimous decision by a five-member panel of justices cemented Lawan’s conviction on count three of the three-count charge brought against him.
In its ruling, the apex court found no merit in the appeal. “The evidence was overwhelming, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal stands,” the court concluded.
A video circulated on Tuesday, October 22, showing the moment of Lawan’s release from Kuje prison sparked renewed discussions about corruption and accountability in Nigerian governance.
Lawan, who once chaired the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy, was a prominent figure before his conviction, which marked a significant fall from grace.
