The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interim order barring human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi from publishing, selling, or distributing his book, 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’s directive prohibits the circulation of hard or soft copies of the book through physical, electronic, or online platforms, including social media, until further notice.
Additionally, Justice Kekemeke ordered the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (DSS), and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book wherever found. These agencies are required to submit affidavits within 72 hours to confirm compliance with the ruling.
In a related ruling, the Oyo State High Court also issued a temporary injunction restraining Farotimi from further printing the book. Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted this order following a similar ex-parte application by Adebayo Adenipekun, another SAN from the Afe Babalola law firm.
Both motions for interlocutory injunctions are set for hearings in January 2025.
These legal actions mark escalating tensions surrounding the publication, which critics allege contains contentious content about Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
