Julius OkorieDetermined to acquaint themselves with the full details of activist Dele Farotimi’s submission on Afe babalola, Nigerians have reportedly rushed to the bookshops to lay hand on ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’ written by the activist.
Primebusiness.africa understands that the rush has created scarcity of the books as most popular bookshops in cities of Ibadan, Abuja have run out of stock.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFarotimi who was arrested by security agents following a petition by Chief Afe Babalola alleging defamation of character had in the said book alleged that Afe Babalola corrupted the judicial system for decades.
Stores such as Tinu-Ade Bookshop in Ibadan and VIC Bookstore in Abuja told Peoples Gazette the book has sold out since the arrest of Mr Farotimi on Tuesday in Lagos by policemen from Ekiti State Command, with his arrest dominating headlines and public discussions since then.
As if the rush to the bookshops were not enough, checks on Amazon Wednesday further revealed that the book was trending as more Nigerians both home and in the diaspora seek details of the case.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi, NBA Seek Release Of Farotimi As Ekiti Court Remands Embattled Human Rights Lawyer
Farotimi who is equally a lawyer had, in the foreword of the book published July 2, 2024, detailed his sojourn in the legal system and the criminality therein that has affected its ability to deliver justice, he indicted Babalola for the rot in the judiciary, citing a case that once involved both of them at the Supreme Court.
Highlighting the case of Major Muritala Gbadamosi 8c Ors v. H.R.H Oba Tijani Akinloye & Ors, otherwise known as the Gbadamosi-Eletu case, Farotimi alleged that Babalola, “corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients.”
Farotimi following his arrest was arraigned before the magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti on a 16-count charge of defamation of Mr Babalola, to which the activist pleaded not guilty. However, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, denied him bail and remanded him in prison custody until December 10.
Many have condemned the manner in which Farotimi was whisked away in what looked more like an abduction, with some accusing 93-year-old Afe Babalola, owner of Afe Babalola University, of failing to practice what he preaches. The SAN had in a publication on the website of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, discouraged squabbles between individuals being entertained in court, urging public interest to be considered.
Recall that Afe Babalola was personal counsel to former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babaginda and late Sani Abacha in the 1980s and 1990s. He also enjoyed legal patronage under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.
Farotimi an alumni of Lagos State University, where he was once President of the Student Union, has over the years, used his voice and pen to advocate for a better Nigeria.
The said book prior to Farotimi’s arrest Primebusiness.africa noticed, was selling at $4 about N6,800 but now sells for $17 about N28,900.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
