Defamation: Court Stops Sales, Orders Seizure Of Farotimi’s Book

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining Lagos-based lawyer and author Dele Farotimi from publishing, selling, or distributing his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in any format.

This order, which extends to his agents, publishers, and prominent booksellers like Amazon, Rovingheights, Jazzhole Lagos, and Glendora Bookshop, follows an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), a managing partner at Afe Babalola law firm.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Justice Peter Kekemeke directed that all existing copies of the book be seized from bookstores and online platforms, with enforcement entrusted to the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

These agencies are required to submit affidavits confirming compliance within 72 hours of receiving the order.

The injunction remains effective pending the hearing of a motion for interlocutory injunction, set for January 7, 2025. The lawsuit accuses the book of containing defamatory content, though specific allegations have not yet been disclosed.

In a related ruling, the Oyo State High Court issued a similar order against Farotimi, prohibiting him and his associates from printing additional copies of the book. Justice Mufutau Adegbola granted this order after hearing an ex-parte application from another senior partner at Afe Babalola law firm, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN). The motion for interlocutory injunction in this case will also be heard on January 7, 2025.

Defamation: Court Stops Sales, Orders Seizure Of Farotimi’s Book

The court orders highlight the seriousness of the defamation allegations, with multiple security and judicial entities ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.

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