Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed several security agencies in Nigeria to confiscate all copies of Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, authored by Dele Farotimi. This order, reported by Channels Television, mandates the removal of the book from bookstores nationwide.
The ruling was prompted by an ex parte motion filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, the managing partner of Afe Babalola’s Emmanuel Chambers. The legal move followed allegations within the book accusing Afe Babalola, a renowned senior lawyer, of unethical practices, including influencing judicial decisions at the Supreme Court.
Farotimi’s arrest was executed in Lagos on December 2, reportedly by police officers from Ekiti State, allegedly acting under directives linked to Babalola. The controversy surrounding the arrest has fueled public interest in the book, which quickly gained popularity and became a bestseller on platforms like Amazon.
The court instructed the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to confiscate all physical and digital copies of the book, reporting their compliance within 72 hours of receiving the directive.
Several major bookstores, including Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, and Glendora Bookshop, were specifically named in the court order as points of seizure. Rovingheights Bookstore confirmed the book was unavailable, responding to inquiries with, “Good afternoon. It’s out of stock.”
Ogunwumiju’s court filing included a request for an injunction preventing Farotimi or his representatives from publishing, selling, or distributing the book in any format, pending the resolution of the case.
Farotimi currently faces numerous legal challenges, including civil and criminal charges tied to the book’s claims. Following his arrest, he was quickly arraigned and detained in a correctional facility in Ekiti State.
Another injunction was granted by Justice Mufutau Adegbola of the Oyo State High Court, restraining Farotimi and his agents from producing or distributing the book further. This case, filed by Adebayo Adenipekun, a lawyer from Babalola’s firm, is set for a hearing on January 7, 2025.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has filed new charges against Farotimi at a Federal High Court in Ekiti.
The ongoing cases have sparked discussions about freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the challenges of critiquing powerful institutions in Nigeria. The controversy underscores the tension between protecting reputations and preserving the right to critique systemic issues.
