Court Orders Ban on Farotimi’s Bestseller Amid Cyberbullying Allegations

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the suspension of the distribution and sale of Dele Farotimi’s bestseller Seize the Narrative. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by a senior lawyer from Afe Babalola’s law firm, alleging defamatory content and cyberbullying within the book.

In a statement issued by the court on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the judge ruled that the temporary injunction is necessary to prevent further alleged harm pending the hearing of the case. The lawyer contends that Farotimi’s book contains damaging claims aimed at tarnishing reputations and causing undue public agitation.

The legal battle is compounded by Farotimi’s ongoing detention over allegations of cyberbullying and witness intimidation. According to police reports submitted to the court, the activist and author allegedly used his social media platforms to threaten and harass individuals linked to a high-profile legal dispute. The police argued that granting bail could further endanger witnesses and interfere with ongoing investigations.

The court had previously denied Farotimi’s bail application, citing the severity of the allegations. The judge emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, referencing multiple claims of harassment and potential obstruction of justice.

Farotimi, a well-known activist and critic of governmental policies, has denied the allegations, claiming that his book seeks to expose corruption and advocate for societal reforms. His legal team has described the accusations as an attempt to silence dissenting voices, vowing to appeal the court’s decisions on both the book ban and the bail denial.

Public opinion on the matter is divided. While some view the case as an attack on free speech, others believe the lawsuit and criminal charges highlight the need for accountability, even among public figures. The hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimi has trended on social media platforms, with supporters calling for his immediate release and the reinstatement of his book’s distribution rights.

The court has set the next hearing for January 2025 to review the evidence and determine the way forward in both the civil and criminal cases. Meanwhile, Farotimi remains in custody as the legal drama unfolds.