An Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued an interim injunction prohibiting Lagos-based lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, or distributing any copies—physical, digital, or otherwise—of his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The injunction, delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke, also extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, and several high-profile booksellers, including Amazon, Rovingheights, Jazzhole Lagos, and Glendora Bookshop.
The ruling came after an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), a managing partner at the Afe Babalola law firm, accusing the book of containing defamatory material.
Although the specific allegations of libel were not disclosed, the court deemed the matter serious enough to warrant immediate action.
In addition to halting the book’s distribution, the court ordered the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to seize all existing copies of the book from bookstores and online platforms.
The agencies are required to submit an affidavit of compliance within 72 hours.
The injunction will remain in effect until the hearing of a motion for interlocutory injunction scheduled for January 7, 2025.
In a related development, the Oyo State High Court has also granted an interim order against Farotimi, restricting him and his associates from printing new copies of the book.
This order was issued by Justice Mufutau Adegbola following an ex-parte application from another senior partner at Afe Babalola law firm, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).
The coordinated legal actions highlight the escalating tension surrounding Farotimi’s book, which has sparked significant debate on Nigeria’s legal and criminal justice systems.
