A High Court in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a temporary injunction preventing lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi from publishing, selling, distributing, or promoting his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The ruling also applies to both physical and digital versions of the book.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
The injunction extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, distributors, and anyone involved in the sale or distribution of the book, whether online, in print, or through social media platforms.
Additionally, Justice Kekemeke directed security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, State Security Service, and Civil Defence Corps, to confiscate all physical copies of the book.
These agencies are required to provide an affidavit confirming compliance within 72 hours of receiving the order.
This temporary measure remains in place until the court hears and decides the motion for interlocutory injunction, which was filed on December 6, 2024.
In a related case, the Oyo State High Court has also issued an interim order restricting Farotimi or his representatives from printing further copies of the book.
Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted the order following an ex-parte application filed on December 9, 2024, by Adebayo Adenipekun, a senior partner at Afe Babalola’s firm.
Justice Adegbola also instructed that Farotimi’s legal representatives be notified of the proceedings and scheduled a hearing for the motion for interlocutory injunction on January 7, 2025.