The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interim restraining order against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, prohibiting the publication, sale, advertisement, and distribution of his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order on Wednesday after reviewing an ex-parte application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and managing partner at Afe Babalola & Co. The order applies to Farotimi, his agents, publishers, and distributors, as well as any individuals or entities involved in disseminating the book in any form, including digital platforms and social media.
The injunction will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, which was filed on December 6, 2024.
As part of the court’s directive, security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been instructed to seize all physical copies of the book wherever they are found. The agencies are required to submit a compliance affidavit within 72 hours of receiving the court order.
