Death Row Inmate Haruna Ayeni Denies Appeal Claims

Haruna Ayeni, a death row inmate, has dismissed claims made by Ekiti State Attorney General Dayo Apata that his case remains under appeal at the Supreme Court. In an interview, Ayeni clarified that the appeal was withdrawn following a plea for clemency from his family, which was formally submitted to the state government on October 12, 2025.

Ayeni, who has been incarcerated for 14 years, was sentenced alongside his father, stemming from a land dispute that led to a series of altercations and allegations of assault. His family contends that he is innocent and has suffered greatly during his imprisonment, losing multiple family members.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to grant clemency to Ayeni, emphasizing the need for a review of the case. The Attorney General has suggested that Ayeni's legal team explore procedural avenues for clemency, but has not confirmed the status of the Supreme Court case.