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.
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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.”
Adding to this, another remarked, “I’m also ready to *‘seriously doubt’*, but my doubt doesn’t extend to the speed of filing, assigning, and granting of the order.”
Perhaps most perplexing is the court’s attempt to target international platforms like Amazon, a move that has drawn ridicule from observers who note the difficulty of enforcing such an order outside of Nigeria’s jurisdiction. “Wait, Amazon can be controlled from Ekiti State?” mocked one user, while another added, “How will an Abuja court order Amazon in the United Kingdom and USA?”
In the face of the ban, Nigerians have demonstrated a resolute determination to access Farotimi’s book, with many suggesting alternative means of distribution, such as peer-to-peer sharing and uploading to platforms like PirateBay. “We’ll use Telegram P2P to sell it,” quipped one defiant user, underscoring the resilience of Farotimi’s supporters.
The controversy surrounding the ban on “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” is further compounded by Farotimi’s ongoing legal battles, including a fundamental rights application that reportedly remains unresolved. For many, this case serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues that plague Nigeria’s judiciary, with one observer succinctly concluding, “Some animals are indeed more equal than others.”
As the debate continues to unfold, Farotimi’s supporters remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that his message is heard. Through the power of social media and alternative distribution channels, they are determined to keep the conversation alive, despite the best efforts of those who would seek to silence it. In the end, the court’s decision may have inadvertently sparked a movement, one that could ultimately lead to the very reforms that Farotimi’s book so passionately advocates for.
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