Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has granted State pardon to Mrs. Funke Akindele-Bello and her husband, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bello, who are both non-custodial convicts for offences related to the disobedience of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
The Governor also ordered the release of 56 inmates from various correctional Centres in the state.
A statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said Mr. Sanwo-Olu acted based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, under the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 212 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
It would be recalled that Funke Akindele, her husband, music star, Naira Marley as well as a top politician were arraigned for breaching Covid-19 protocols following a birthday party hosted by the couple in their home. While Funke and husband were convicted, Naira Marley and others were set free.
The 56 released inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council after due examination of their case files and consideration of the length of time served, the gravity of offence, old age and ill-health among other parameters.
The Attorney General has also enjoined the beneficiaries to be good citizens and stay away from crime.
The eight-member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, headed by Dr. Abayomi Finnih was inaugurated Governor Sanwo-Olu in December 2019.
