The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining Lagos-based legal practitioner and author, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, or circulating his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The order was granted by Justice Peter Kekemeke following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm. The application requested the court to halt all activities related to the distribution of the book, both in physical and digital formats, pending the determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to seize all copies of the book found in circulation, including those held by Dele Farotimi Publishers.
The judge’s decision seeks to ensure compliance with the injunction and prevent further distribution until the motion on notice, filed on December 6, is resolved.
The reasons behind the application by Ogunwumiju or the specific objections raised against the book were not detailed in the court’s order. However, the development underscores a growing trend of legal battles over publications that critically analyze Nigeria’s political and judicial systems.
Dele Farotimi, a prominent lawyer and social commentator, is known for his outspoken criticism of governance and justice in Nigeria. Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System explores systemic issues within the country’s judicial framework and has sparked significant public discourse since its release.
The case is expected to draw further attention as the motion for interlocutory injunction is scheduled for a hearing in the coming weeks.
Neither Dele Farotimi nor his legal team has issued an official statement regarding the court’s decision. Meanwhile, legal and civil rights advocates have expressed concerns about the implications of the injunction on freedom of expression and access to critical literature in Nigeria.
