Amazon has listed Dele Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” as the number one bestseller in global politics. This surge in popularity came after Farotimi was arrested on the orders of Afe Babalola, a controversial lawyer and businessman.
The book, which initially saw low sales, gained significant attention following Farotimi’s arrest. It quickly climbed to the top of Amazon’s charts and sparked a rush to bookstores across Nigeria. Farotimi’s work criticizes corruption within the Nigerian judiciary, specifically naming Babalola as a major offender.
Farotimi, a retired lawyer, accused Babalola of compromising the Supreme Court and corrupting judges with bribes. The book, published in July 2024, supports longstanding suspicions about the influence of Babalola on the judiciary.
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by armed policemen and taken to Ado Ekiti, where Babalola is based. After his arraignment, Farotimi was taken into custody while his bail application was adjourned until December 10. The police said the book was capable of causing public fear and breaching the peace.
Babalola was accused of influencing court judgments, a claim he had denied. The arrest has sparked public outrage with many Nigerians calling for the release of Farotimi and asking the police to investigate Babalola’s influence.
The new popularity of the book underscores public interest in the allegations against Babalola and deeper issues of corruption in the Nigerian judiciary.