Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a prominent legal expert and managing partner at Afe Babalola & Co., has taken legal action against activist Dele Farotimi over claims of defamation linked to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) contends that the publication contains damaging and false allegations.
The lawsuit, filed on December 6, seeks to halt the distribution and sale of the book across all platforms, including online and physical bookstores. Ogunwumiju is demanding N500 million in damages and a public apology from Farotimi to be published in two national newspapers.
Injunction to Stop Distribution
The legal filing also requests an interlocutory injunction to prevent Farotimi, his associates, and any affiliated parties from further distributing the book. This includes online retailers like Amazon and prominent Nigerian bookstores such as Rovingheights, Glendora Bookshop, and Quintessence Lagos. Ogunwumiju has further asked for the confiscation of all existing copies of the book through coordinated efforts involving law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and the State Security Service.
Basis of the Defamation Claim
Ogunwumiju alleges that the book contains statements that malign his professional reputation and that of the Afe Babalola law firm. The legal team representing him emphasized the need to protect the integrity of their client and curb the spread of misinformation.
Farotimi’s Legal Troubles Escalate
This lawsuit compounds Farotimi’s recent legal woes. Last week, he was apprehended by the Ekiti State Police Command over accusations of defamation and cyberbullying. Following his arrest, the Inspector General of Police filed a 12-count charge related to cybercrime against him.
Despite being granted bail on these charges earlier this week, Farotimi returned to an Ekiti magistrate court for arraignment on allegations of defamation.
Wider Implications
The ongoing legal tussle highlights the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and accountability in Nigeria’s legal landscape. While Ogunwumiju seeks redress for reputational harm, the case has also sparked debates over the limits of free speech, especially in a nation grappling with issues of governance and judicial reform.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties are expected to present evidence supporting their claims, setting the stage for a significant courtroom battle.
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