The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued a temporary injunction against human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, barring him from publishing, distributing, or selling copies of his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order 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 court’s decision extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, distributors, and any other individuals or entities involved in the circulation of the book, whether in physical or digital formats, including online platforms and social media.
The order will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed on December 6, 2024. Justice Kekemeke also directed law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to seize all physical copies of the book wherever they may be found. The agencies are required to file an affidavit within 72 hours confirming compliance with the order.
In a related ruling, an Oyo State High Court has also issued an interim injunction against Farotimi, preventing him or his associates from further printing or distributing the book. This decision followed an ex parte application filed by Adebayo Adenipekun, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria from the Afe Babalola law firm, on December 9, 2024.
Justice Mufutau Adegbola, presiding over the Oyo State case, granted the interim order and directed that Farotimi’s legal representatives be notified. The motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in this matter has been adjourned for hearing on January 7, 2025.
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