By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular actor in Nigeria, Mrs Funke Akindele-Bello (FAB), has received a state pardon from the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The filmmaker was arrested in April 2020 alongside her husband, Mr Abdulrasheed Bello, who is a music producer, by officials of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force for violating a lockdown directive of the government.
The entertainer threw a house party to celebrate her husband’s birthday at their residence at AMEN Estate around Ajah Lagos, with few celebrities in attendance, including Naira Marley.
The family got into trouble when they posted a video from the event on social media, causing Jenifa crooner to lose her endorsement deal with a healthcare company.
Funke and her hubby, fondly called JJC Skillz, were later arraigned at a Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State and after pleading guilty, they were convicted and asked to do community service for 14 days.
In addition, the court directed the couple to pay a fine of N100,000 each and would be put in isolation for two weeks at a place to be determined by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
But in a statement signed on Friday by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, it was disclosed that the Governor has pardoned the actor and her husband, meaning they would no longer be addressed as ex-convicts.
The Commissioner explained that this action was 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 eight-member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, inaugurated Governor Sanwo-Olu in December 2019, is headed by Dr Abayomi Finnih.
Business Post gathered that Funke Akindele and her husband were not the only beneficiaries of the Governor’s gesture as 56 inmates have been released from various correctional Centres.
“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 the offence, old age and ill-health among other parameters,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General has enjoined the beneficiaries to be good citizens and stay away from crime.
