Alleged Defamation: Court Issues Injunction Against Further Sale, Publication of Farotimi’s Book
This court order remains in effect until the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction, which was filed on December 6, 2024
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining Lagos-based legal practitioner Dele Farotimi, whether acting on his own or through representatives, from publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing any physical, digital, or electronic copies of the book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the order after hearing an ex parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm. The judge also temporarily prohibited agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, re-publishers, re-sellers, and any other parties—such as Dele Farotimi Publishers, Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited—from engaging in any further publication, sale, circulation, advertising, or distribution of the book through any mediums, including online, electronically, and via social media.
This court order remains in effect until the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction, which was filed on December 6, 2024. The court has also ordered the seizure of all physical copies of the book found at any location, including those at the offices of Dele Farotimi Publishers, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited, by the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all other relevant security agencies. This seizure is to remain in effect pending the hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction.
Additionally, the court requires that the relevant security agencies file an affidavit demonstrating compliance with these orders within 72 hours of receiving the court’s directive.
In a related matter, an Oyo State High Court also granted an interim order preventing Farotimi or anyone acting on his behalf from printing the book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued this interim order following an ex parte application submitted on December 9 by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adebayo Adenipekun representing Afe Babalola’s law firm.
After hearing from Chukwudi Maduka Esq., who appeared on behalf of the senior advocate, Justice Adegbola granted the order and directed that the other party be put on notice. The motion for interlocutory injunction has been adjourned to January 7, 2025. Read More
