- Legal Icon Afe Babalola, SAN, Takes Legal Action Against Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Over Controversial Allegations
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction directing the immediate withdrawal of all copies of the book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” authored by human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. The court order, granted in response to a lawsuit filed by Afe Babalola, SAN, alleges that the book contains defamatory content targeting the renowned legal luminary.
Following the court’s directive, the Managing Director of Glendora Bookshop, based in Lagos State, has instructed the removal of the book from its shelves nationwide. A staff member of the bookstore confirmed the action, stating, “All copies have been returned to the publishers as per the directive. We no longer have any copies in our stores.”
The book, which recently achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s politics category, has stirred significant controversy due to its allegations of judicial manipulation. It accuses Babalola of using his influence to secure favorable court rulings for his clients, claims that have been widely debated but remain unproven.
Dele Farotimi was arrested on December 3, 2024, at his Lagos office and transported over 300 kilometers to Ekiti State, where he was arraigned the following day before a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on charges of criminal defamation.
In addition to halting the book’s distribution, the court order, filed under Suit No. CV/5372/24 by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, on behalf of Afe Babalola’s law firm, seeks the seizure of any royalties generated from its sales. The injunction applies to both physical and digital copies of the publication.
The legal battle has attracted significant public attention, with critics condemning the alleged use of police force to silence Farotimi. Meanwhile, supporters of Babalola argue the lawsuit is necessary to defend his reputation from unfounded claims.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and the need for legal recourse in cases of alleged defamation.
