Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has allowed State mercy to Nollywood entertainer, Funke Akindele-Bello and her significant other, Abdulrasheed Bello, who are both non-custodial convicts for offenses identified with the defiance of COVID-19 lockdown guideline.
He likewise affirmed the arrival of 56 prisoners from different Correctional Centers in the State.
Akindele and her better half were captured during the Coronavirus lockdown for disregarding conventions by holding birthday celebration for her significant other.
The pair were indicted and condemned by a Magistrate’s Court in Ogba in a non-custodial sentence.
Be that as it may, Sanwo-Olu has conceded them pardon.
A statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said 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.
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 by Governor Sanwo-Olu in December 2019.
Kayode Oyekanmi
Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Justice
