The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued an order halting the publication, sale, and distribution of a controversial book authored by lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
The book, titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, has been barred from circulation in any form—physical or digital—pending further court proceedings.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the temporary injunction 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 ruling prohibits Farotimi, his agents, publishers, and any distributors from advertising, selling, or sharing the book by any means, including online platforms and social media.
Additionally, the judge directed security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to confiscate all copies of the book wherever found.
These agencies are required to submit a compliance affidavit within 72 hours of receiving the court’s directive.
In a related case, an Oyo State High Court also issued an interim order restricting Farotimi or his associates from further printing or distributing the book. This ruling was delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola after an ex-parte application from another senior member of Afe Babalola’s law firm, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).
The FCT court’s next hearing for the interlocutory injunction is set for January 7, 2025, allowing Farotimi’s legal team time to respond.
