Court orders police, DSS to seize copies of Farotimi’s book, halts sales

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has issued a temporary injunction restraining human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from publishing, selling, or distributing his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.

The ruling also extends the prohibition to all agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, or any other individuals involved in circulating, advertising, or distributing hard or soft copies of the book through any medium, including online platforms and social media.

The court further directed the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book, wherever found, pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for a later date.

Justice Kekemeke mandated the security agencies to file affidavits within 72 hours of receiving the ruling, confirming their compliance with the seizure order.

In a related case, the Oyo State High Court also granted an interim injunction against Farotimi. Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued the order on December 9, 2024, after hearing an ex-parte application by Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), a senior partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.

The Oyo State ruling similarly restrains Farotimi or his representatives from printing additional copies of the book. The case has been adjourned to January 7, 2025, for the hearing of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Farotimi’s book has sparked widespread debate over its critique of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, drawing attention to systemic flaws and alleged abuses.