Abuja FCT, High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order halting the publication, sale, and distribution of Dele Farotimi book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

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

Justice Kekemeke’s ruling also restrains Farotimi’s agents, publishers, and distributors from disseminating either hard or soft copies of the book.

The judge specifically prohibited any online, electronic, or physical sales or advertisements, pending the resolution of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

The court further directed the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), and other security agencies to seize all existing copies of the book.

“The relevant agencies must comply within 72 hours and submit an affidavit of compliance,” the judge ordered.

Speaking on the matter, Ogunwumiju expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.

“The defamatory contents in the book necessitated urgent legal intervention,” he stated. However, critics argue that the order suppresses free speech.

Meanwhile, an Oyo State High Court also issued a similar interim injunction against Farotimi.

Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted the order following an application by Adebayo Adenipekun, another senior advocate from Afe Babalola’s firm.

This decision prevents Farotimi or his associates from further printing the controversial book.

Adenipekun argued that the publication contained unsubstantiated claims capable of harming reputations.

“We approached the court to protect our client’s integrity while ensuring due process,” he remarked after the ruling.

Farotimi, a vocal human rights activist and lawyer, has yet to respond to the court orders.

However, his supporters describe the legal actions as an attempt to silence dissent.

“This is a clear attack on freedom of expression,” said activist Chinedu Okonkwo.

The motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in Abuja has been scheduled for a hearing on January 7, 2025. Similarly, the Oyo court will review its order in a separate hearing.

Legal analysts are divided over the case. While some praise the courts for addressing defamation allegations, others warn of the dangers of judicial overreach.

“Balancing reputational protection with free speech is crucial in cases like this,” said Barrister Fatima Bello.

As the legal battle unfolds, public discourse around Farotimi’s book intensifies.

For many, the controversy underscores the tensions between Nigeria’s legal system and freedom of expression.