The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has prohibited human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing hard or digital copies of his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the order after hearing an ex-parte application submitted by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.He also issued a temporary order prohibiting agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, re-publishers, re-sellers, and any other individuals from publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing the book in physical, digital, or electronic formats by any means, including online platforms and social media.
The order was issued pending the hearing and resolution of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction filed on December 6, 2024.The judge also granted an interim injunction directing the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book wherever they are found, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Additionally, the court instructed the relevant security agencies to submit an affidavit within 72 hours of receiving the ruling, confirming their compliance with the orders.
Similarly, an Oyo State High Court issued an interim order preventing Dele Farotimi or anyone acting on his behalf from further printing the book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The order was granted by Justice Mufutau Adegbola following an ex-parte application submitted on December 9, 2024, by Adebayo Adenipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and senior partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
After considering the application, Justice Adegbola issued the interim order and directed that Farotimi’s legal representatives be notified.
The motion on notice for the interlocutory injunction was subsequently postponed to January 7, 2025.
