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As Gov Sanwo-Olu grants duo, others State pardon
BY CHINYERE OBIORA, LAGOS – Reprieve from being called ex-convicts has finally come the way of popular Nollywood Actress and Producer, Funke Akindele-Bello and her singer husband, Abdulrasheed Bello.
Thanks to the State pardon granted them by Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the couple, who were convicted for offences related to the disobedience of COVID-19 lockdown regulations, are now free citizens
The state pardon came following Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive approving the release of 56 inmates from various correctional Centres across the state.
According to a statement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, (SAN), Governor Sanwo-Olu acted based on recommendations from 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.
Funke Akindele-Bello, specially nicknamed ‘Jenifer’ by fans; her husband, Mr. Bello, music star; Naira Marley; and Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi were arraigned for breaching COVID-19 protocols following a birthday party hosted by the couple in their palatial home.
In the heat of fighting the raging virus in the State, an aggrieved Lagos Government approached the court which eventually convicted the couple, while Naira Marley and others were set free.
Information from the Attorney-General’s office indicated that 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.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General has charged all beneficiaries of the State pardon to be of good behaviour as citizens while staying away from crime and criminality.
