A Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the production and distribution of Dele Farotimi's bestseller Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The order, requested by Afe Babalola, includes the seizure of royalties and halts the book's sale, sparking debates over free speech and judicial integrity.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction to stop the distribution and sales of Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, a book written by lawyer Dele Farotimi. The court order, which was obtained by legal icon Afe Babalola, also includes the seizure of royalties generated by the book.
The ruling, granted on December 6, 2024, follows a legal action filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, representing Babalola’s law firm. The injunction forbids Farotimi, his agents, publishers, and distributors from continuing to sell, circulate, or promote both physical and digital copies of the book. This also applies to major bookstores such as Amazon, Rovingheights Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited.
The book, which has gained significant attention both locally and internationally, claims to expose corruption and manipulation within Nigeria's judicial system, specifically accusing Afe Babalola of influencing judicial decisions for his clients. These allegations have sparked controversy and debates regarding free speech and the integrity of the judiciary.
Farotimi’s supporters have expressed concern that the court's ruling poses a threat to the freedom of expression, while others argue that the decision is necessary to safeguard the reputations of individuals named in the book. As the case progresses, the legal community and the public await further developments on the matter, which continues to attract widespread attention.
