Another SAN sues Farotimi in Ibadan for defamation

Court restrains publishers from further sale of his book
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adebayo Adenipekun, has filed a suit against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This is coming amid the ongoing legal battle between Farotimi and another prominent lawyer, Afe Babalola.

A court document, dated December 9, 2024, indicates that the court summoned Farotimi to appear before it within 30 days of service.

Adenipekun is listed as the claimant while Farotimi and his publishers are listed as the first and second defendants respectively.

The court document reads: “You are hereby commanded that within 30 days of the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), and take notice that in default of your doing so, the claimant may proceed therein, and judgment may be given in your absence.

“This writ is to be served within six calendar months from the date thereof or, if renewed, within three calendar months from the date of the last renewal, including the day of such date, and not afterwards.

“The defendant may enter appearance personally or by the legal practitioner either by handing in the appropriate forms.”

Meanwhile, a prominent Ibadan-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Niyi Akintola, also confirmed this to The Guardian.

“Yes, he was sued in Ibadan this week by Adebayo Adenipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has restrained Farotimi from further publication and sale of his book, titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

The court, yesterday, granted an order in the interim restraining Farotimi, his publishers and their re-publishers, including Amazon Online Bookstore, Roving Heights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore and Patabah Books Limited from further publication and sale of the book, whether hard or soft copy through any mainstream or social media platform or any other means whatsoever pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.