The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interim injunction restraining human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, or distributing his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The book has been described as controversial and has sparked legal actions from senior members of the legal community.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, a managing partner at Afe Babalola & Co., on behalf of the law firm. The interim injunction also bars Farotimi’s agents, publishers, and distributors from circulating or advertising the book in any format—physical or digital—including via social media.
The court ordered security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to seize all physical copies of the book wherever they may be found. Justice Kekemeke further mandated the agencies to file affidavits demonstrating compliance with the order within 72 hours of its issuance. The case is pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction filed on December 6, 2024.
Similar Order Issued by Oyo State High Court
In a related development, the Oyo State High Court also granted an interim injunction against Farotimi regarding the same book. Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed by Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN, another senior partner at Afe Babalola & Co. The application, dated December 9, 2024, sought to prevent Farotimi or anyone acting on his behalf from further printing or distributing the book.
Justice Adegbola directed that Farotimi’s legal representatives be put on notice and adjourned the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction to January 7, 2025.
These legal actions underscore the contentious nature of the book, which has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters. Further hearings in both cases are expected to shed more light on the dispute.
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