A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction barring Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi from publishing, selling, or distributing any copies—physical, digital, or otherwise—of his book titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
The order also extends to his agents, publishers, and a range of prominent booksellers, including Amazon, Rovingheights, Jazzhole Lagos, and Glendora Bookshop.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the order following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), a managing partner at the Afe Babalola law firm.
The court also ordered the seizure of all existing physical copies of the book from bookstores and online platforms, with the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies instructed to enforce the order.
The ruling is to remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of a motion for an interlocutory injunction, which is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
The security agencies involved have been directed to submit an affidavit confirming their compliance with the order within 72 hours of receiving it.
The lawsuit accuses Farotimi’s book of defamation, though specific claims of libelous content were not disclosed.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the allegations, with multiple enforcement bodies mandated to ensure full compliance.
Similarly, the Oyo State High Court has also issued an interim order against Farotimi, restricting him and his associates from printing any new copies of ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted the order after hearing an ex-parte application from another senior partner at the Afe Babalola law firm, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).
The court directed that Farotimi be notified of the motion for interlocutory injunction, which is also scheduled for hearing on January 7, 2025.
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