In an unprecedented turn of events, Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, has skyrocketed to the #1 position in global politics on Amazon following the author’s arrest on Tuesday. The book’s sudden surge in popularity reflects both domestic and international curiosity about its scathing critique of Nigeria’s judicial corruption.
The Arrest that Ignited a Bestseller
Mr. Farotimi, a retired lawyer and social critic, was apprehended by armed policemen in Lagos and transported to Ado Ekiti on the orders of Afe Babalola, a prominent 93-year-old Nigerian lawyer and businessman. The arrest came after Mr. Farotimi explicitly named Babalola in his book, accusing him of undermining the Nigerian Supreme Court with corrupt practices.
The police charged Mr. Farotimi with causing “fear and alarm to the public or disturbing the public peace.” He was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for December 10.
Allegations Against Afe Babalola
The book, published in July 2024, directly accuses Mr. Babalola of using his influence to corrupt the judiciary, calling him a key figure in “compromising the Supreme Court.” The author details a specific case where Babalola allegedly manipulated judicial proceedings, describing it as a “shameful self-abnegation.”
While Mr. Babalola has consistently denied these allegations, he has faced criticism over the years for his perceived role in perpetuating systemic judicial corruption. Retired Justice Dattijo Muhammad and other judicial voices have similarly lamented the influence of senior lawyers in eroding public trust.
Public Outcry and Surge in Book Sales
Mr. Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread outrage, with Nigerians condemning the arrest as a blow to freedom of expression and calling for his immediate release. The backlash fueled an unprecedented demand for the book, leading to long queues at bookstores nationwide and a rush to online platforms like Amazon.
The book surpassed international bestsellers such as Why Nations Fail, marking a rare achievement for Nigerian-themed literature in global rankings.
A Mirror to Nigeria’s Judicial Crisis
Farotimi’s Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System provides an unflinching examination of corruption within the judiciary, painting a damning picture of a system allegedly controlled by powerful individuals. The book’s newfound popularity underscores growing public disillusionment with the state of Nigeria’s justice system.
READ ALSO: Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Remanded Over Defamation Allegations Against Afe Babalola
What Lies Ahead?
As the dust settles, the controversy surrounding Mr. Farotimi’s arrest continues to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s judicial woes. The upcoming bail hearing on December 10 will not only determine the author’s immediate fate but may also test the judiciary’s integrity in handling a case rooted in its own criticism.
With Farotimi’s book now a global sensation, the incident has amplified calls for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s legal system, further polarizing public opinion on the role of influential figures like Afe Babalola.
