The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining Lagos-based lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from publishing or distributing his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
The court barred Farotimi, his representatives, and a host of others, including publishers and book vendors such as Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited, from further selling or distributing physical, digital, or soft copies of the book. This prohibition extends to online, electronic, physical, and social media platforms.
The injunction will remain in place pending the hearing of a motion for interlocutory injunction, which was filed on December 6, 2024.
Additionally, the court ordered that all physical copies of the book be seized by security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). These agencies are required to comply with the court’s directive and file an affidavit within 72 hours of receiving the order, confirming their actions.
In a related development, an Oyo State High Court also issued an interim injunction restraining Farotimi from printing the book. Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted the order after hearing an ex-parte application by another senior partner from Afe Babalola’s law firm, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).
Justice Adegbola directed that Farotimi be notified and scheduled the motion for interlocutory injunction for hearing on January 7, 2025.
The legal actions stem from concerns raised by senior members of Afe Babalola’s law firm. However, the specific grounds for these injunctions have not been publicly disclosed. The case has generated interest within the legal and literary communities, as the content of the book addresses Nigeria’s criminal justice system—a topic of national significance.
Further hearings in both courts are awaited, as Farotimi is expected to respond to the motions on notice.
