The family of a death row inmate, Haruna Ayeni, has appealed to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to intervene in what they described as a wrongful conviction that has left them traumatised for more than a decade.
Haruna’s brother, Olusola Ayeni, said the legal ordeal began in June 2012 following a land dispute involving their late father in Emure, Ekiti State.
According to him, the disagreement escalated into a physical altercation at their father’s farm. One of the parties allegedly involved later reported an assault case to the police, leading to their father’s arrest. Olusola said Haruna subsequently went to the police station to secure his father’s bail but was also detained.
He explained that 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, however, said the situation took a dramatic turn when the complainant reportedly died in his home overnight during the trial process.
He alleged that shortly after their release, Haruna and their father were rearrested by another team of operatives when they returned to complete discharge formalities at the detention facility. A fresh charge of murder was subsequently filed against them.
“In 2014, they were both sentenced to death. Since then, we have continued to pursue justice. Sadly, our father died in custody, and we also lost our sister in a road accident while she was on her way to visit Haruna,” Olusola said.
He added that the prolonged incarceration has taken a heavy toll on their aged mother, who has suffered severe emotional distress after losing her husband and two children during the period.
Appealing for executive intervention, Olusola said Haruna has spent nearly 14 years in prison over what the family believes is a miscarriage of justice.
Reacting, Haruna’s solicitor, Seun Ajayi, said he became involved in the case after the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment. He noted that while courts are bound by the evidence presented before them, the possibility of a wrongful conviction could not be entirely ruled out.
Ajayi said the legal team is currently exploring the option of seeking executive clemency from the Ekiti State Government.
However, the Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, dismissed the family’s claims, insisting that due judicial process was followed.
“The position of the family is far from the truth,” he said.
According to him, the defendant was duly convicted by the Ekiti State High Court, and the judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeal. He added that the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
