Alleged Defamation: Court restrains further sale and publication of Farotimi?s book

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued an interim injunction against Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi, restraining him and his representatives from publishing, selling, or distributing his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. 

The order, granted by Justice Peter Kekemeke, applies to both physical and digital versions of the book and extends to various entities, including publishers, bookstores, and online platforms such as Amazon and Rovingheights Bookstore.

The injunction follows an ex parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm. Justice Kekemeke also directed the seizure of all copies of the book worldwide by security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and the State Security Service, pending the resolution of the case. These agencies are required to provide an affidavit within 72 hours confirming their compliance with the court’s orders.

A similar ruling was issued by the Oyo State High Court, where Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted an interim order restraining Farotimi or his representatives from further printing the book. This order was made following an ex parte application by Adebayo Adenipekun, another SAN from Afe Babalola’s firm. The Oyo court scheduled a hearing on the motion for interlocutory injunction for January 7, 2025.