Court grants Afe Babalola injunction to block sale of activist Dele Farotimi’s book

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a court order preventing the sale and distribution of the book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, authored by human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.

The order, issued on December 6, 2024, follows a legal action initiated by renowned legal practitioner Afe Babalola, SAN, who sought to halt the distribution of the controversial book.

The court’s injunction, which came after a suit filed by Babalola’s legal team, restrains Farotimi and any associated parties, including publishers, distributors, and bookstores, from selling, circulating, or distributing physical, digital, or soft copies of the book.

The order also extends to major online platforms such as Amazon, Rovingheights Bookstore, and physical bookshops, effectively halting the book’s widespread availability.

The lawsuit stemmed from allegations contained in the book, which accuses Babalola of manipulating the judiciary for personal and professional gain.

Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System delves into the state of Nigeria’s judicial system, alleging corruption and undue influence exerted by powerful legal figures.

Farotimi’s assertions have sparked significant public discourse, with the book receiving praise for its bold critique of the country’s legal system.

However, it has also faced strong opposition from legal elites, particularly Babalola, who claims the book defames his character.

Babalola, through his legal representatives, filed a suit with the number CV/5372/24, arguing that Farotimi’s book contained defamatory statements that damaged his reputation as a legal luminary.

The injunction prohibits any further distribution, publication, or sale of the book, which had already gained significant attention and had topped the Amazon bestseller list in the politics category.

The injunction has led to an immediate halt in the book’s sale. Bookstores and online platforms have confirmed that they will comply with the court order, with one bookstore in Abuja stating that they had ceased sales of the book after being informed about the injunction.

In response to a request for copies of the book, a source at the store informed SaharaReporters that they could no longer fulfill orders, citing the legal action as the reason for the decision.