The recent Federal High Court order barring the sale and distribution of Dele Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” has ignited a firestorm of controversy and criticism across Nigeria.
The decision, which directed platforms such as Amazon and Rovingheights to cease selling the book, has been met with widespread condemnation from citizens and legal professionals alike, who view it as a glaring example of the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s judiciary.
One of the primary points of contention surrounding the court’s order is the remarkable speed with which it was processed. The motion, filed on December 6, was granted within a matter of days, a stark contrast to the protracted delays that often hinder even the most urgent cases in Nigeria’s legal system. As one commentator aptly noted, “How many cases, even with an affidavit of urgency, receive similar expediency? When we’re serious in this country, we will know.”
The irony of the situation has not been lost on observers, many of whom have pointed out that the legal system’s actions serve only to validate the very claims made in Farotimi’s book about corruption within the judiciary. “You wrote that we are corrupt, and we want to show you how corrupt we can be,” remarked one astute commentator, highlighting the absurdity of the court’s decision.
Questions have also been raised about the fairness of the process, with legal practitioners and concerned citizens alike expressing doubts about whether Farotimi was afforded a proper opportunity to respond to the motion. The challenges of serving Farotimi while he remains in detention have further complicated matters, leading many to question whether due process was followed in this case.
Another legal observer stated, “I seriously doubt that the plaintiff did not file an ex parte application for interim injunctions. There’s no way a judge will hear a motion on notice before the expiration of the time for a respondent to file a response.”