Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN Sues Dele Farotimi For Alleged Defamation, Demands ₦500 Million In Damages
Prominent lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, has filed a lawsuit against activist and author Dele Farotimi over allegations of defamation in Farotimi’s book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who also serves as the managing partner at Afe Babalola & Co., is seeking ₦500 million in damages, along with a public apology in two national newspapers.
The lawsuit, filed on December 6, also requests the court to halt the publication, distribution, and sale of the book, both physically and online, until the case is resolved. Ogunwumiju’s legal team argues that the book contains false and defamatory statements damaging to his reputation.
The SAN is seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent Farotimi, his associates, and various bookstores—including Amazon, Rovingheights Bookstore, and Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore—from further distributing or selling the book. Ogunwumiju also called for the seizure of all copies of the book, citing locations where they may be found.
“An order of interlocutory injunction directing the seizure of all physical copies of the book authored by the Defendant/Respondent titled *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System*, wherever they may be found, including at Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited worldwide, by the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Service, and Nigeria Security,” the lawsuit states.
Farotimi’s Legal Troubles Continue
This lawsuit adds to Dele Farotimi’s mounting legal challenges. The activist and author was recently arrested by the Ekiti State police command on allegations of defamation and cyberbullying involving Afe Babalola, SAN, a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal profession.
The Inspector-General of Police has filed a 12-count charge against Farotimi under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws. Following his arrest, Farotimi was granted bail but appeared in an Ekiti magistrate court for arraignment on separate defamation charges.
Public Discourse on Freedom of Speech
The case has garnered significant public attention, raising critical questions about freedom of speech and the rights of authors in Nigeria’s legal and social context. Advocates for free expression argue that the case may set a precedent for balancing individual reputations with the public’s right to critique societal institutions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the dispute is likely to remain in the spotlight, spotlighting broader issues surrounding defamation, cyber crimes, and literary freedom in Nigeria.
