Glendora Bookshop in Lagos has removed all copies of Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, from its shelves.
The bookstore said it was acting on a Federal High Court injunction over allegations of defamation in the book.
The court order, secured by renowned lawyer Afe Babalola, SAN, demands the halt of all production, sales, and distribution of the controversial book.
The book accuses Afe Babalola of manipulating the judiciary to gain favorable rulings for his clients.
These allegations have caused a public stir and brought the respected lawyer under heavy scrutiny.
Farotimi, a well-known human rights lawyer, claims the book exposes corruption in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Book Sparks Heated Debate
Farotimi’s book has been a lightning rod for controversy since its release.
It quickly became a bestseller in the politics category on Amazon, gaining international attention.
The book’s bold accusations have drawn praise from critics of Nigeria’s judicial system and condemnation from Babalola’s supporters.
Some see the court’s injunction as an attack on free speech, while others believe it is a necessary step to protect Babalola’s reputation.
The public remains divided on the issue.
Author Arrested and Arraigned
Farotimi’s legal troubles deepened earlier this month when armed police officers arrested him in Lagos.
He was reportedly taken to Ado-Ekiti, over 300 kilometers away, where he was arraigned for criminal defamation.
The charges stem directly from his book, which alleges that Babalola has used his influence to sway judicial outcomes.
Farotimi’s arrest has sparked outrage among human rights groups, who view it as intimidation against a vocal critic of the system.
Court Ruling and Next Steps
The court order filed by Babalola’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, demands the immediate cessation of book sales.
It also seeks to confiscate royalties generated from the book.
A Federal High Court granted an interlocutory injunction, barring Farotimi and his associates from further distributing the book.
The legal team argues that the book contains baseless accusations designed to tarnish Babalola’s name.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
The removal of the book has ignited debates about press freedom and the limits of legal protections against defamation.
Critics have accused Babalola of using the legal system to silence dissenting voices.
“Is this not an abuse of power? Why involve the police in what should be a civil matter?” a commentator wrote on social media.
Supporters of Babalola argue that no one should be allowed to damage a person’s reputation without consequences.
“Freedom of speech is not freedom to lie,” a legal analyst stated.
