The family of a death row inmate has appealed to Ekiti State Gov. Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in what they describe as a wrongful conviction that has left them traumatised for nearly 14 years.
Haruna Ayeni’s brother, Olusola Ayeni, said the legal ordeal began in June 2012 following a land dispute involving their late father in Emure, Ekiti State. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation at their father’s farm, and one of the parties later filed an assault report with police, leading to their father’s arrest. Haruna was detained when he went to secure his father’s bail.
Both men were initially charged with assault before the Ekiti State High Court, but the case was later struck out and they were released. Olusola said the situation took a turn when the complainant reportedly died at home during the trial process. Shortly after their release, Haruna and their father were rearrested by another police team, and a fresh murder charge was filed against them.
In 2014, both were sentenced to death. Olusola said their father later died in custody, and the family also lost their sister in a road accident while visiting Haruna. He said the prolonged incarceration has caused severe emotional distress to their elderly mother.
Haruna’s lawyer, Seun Ajayi, said he joined the case after the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment. He noted that while courts are bound by the evidence presented, a wrongful conviction could not be entirely ruled out. Ajayi said the legal team is exploring executive clemency from the Ekiti State Government.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, dismissed the family’s claims, saying due process was followed. “The position of the family is far from the truth,” Apata said, adding that the conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeal and that the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
