Court Halts Sale of Dele Farotimi’s Book, Orders Seizure Over Defamation Claims

An Abuja High Court has issued an interim order stopping Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi from publishing, selling, or distributing his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The injunction also applies to his agents, publishers, and major booksellers such as Amazon, Rovingheights, Jazzhole Lagos, and Glendora Bookshop.

Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order after an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) from the Afe Babalola law firm. The court also directed the seizure of all existing copies—physical and digital—from stores and online platforms.

The Nigerian Police, State Security Service (SSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been instructed to enforce the ruling and provide compliance affidavits within 72 hours.

The court’s decision will remain in effect until a hearing on the motion for interlocutory injunction on January 7, 2025.

The book is accused of containing defamatory content, though specific claims have not been detailed.

In a related development, the Oyo State High Court has also issued a similar injunction barring the printing of new copies of the book.

Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted the order following another ex-parte application by Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), also from the Afe Babalola law firm.

Farotimi has been notified of the upcoming hearing scheduled for January 7, 2025.