The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interim injunction restraining Lagos-based lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi, from further publishing, distributing, or advertising his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.
Key Court Orders
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the interim order following an ex parte application by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm. The orders include:
- Restricting Farotimi and associated entities, including bookstores and online platforms like Amazon, Rovingheights, and others, from distributing physical, digital, or electronic copies of the book.
- Directing security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, and Civil Defence Corps, to seize all copies of the book wherever found.
- Mandating these agencies to file a compliance affidavit within 72 hours of receiving the court’s orders.
Pending Hearing
The injunction remains in effect pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction set for December 2024.
READ ALSO: Alleged Defamation: Dele Farotimi Appears at Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court
Oyo State Court Intervenes
In a similar development, the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice Mufutau Adegbola, also granted an interim order against Farotimi. Acting on behalf of Afe Babalola’s law firm, SAN Adebayo Adenipekun secured the order via an ex parte application. The case has been adjourned to January 7, 2025, for the motion on notice hearing.
Implications
The legal proceedings stem from allegations of defamation, with Farotimi’s book at the center of the dispute. The court’s swift actions underscore the seriousness of the claims brought forward by Afe Babalola’s firm.
