Dele Farotimi’s Book Tops Amazon Charts Amid Legal Battle Over Defamation
Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, has climbed Amazon’s bestseller charts even as the author battles defamation charges.
Ranked 555 among all books on the platform and number one in elections, the publication has also topped categories in general elections, political process, and political commentary, with a 4.9-star customer rating.
Published on July 2, the book explores how affluent Nigerians allegedly exploit the country’s judicial system for personal gain.
However, its controversial content has landed Farotimi in legal trouble.
On Wednesday, Farotimi was arraigned at a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti on charges of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), referenced in the book. The activist pleaded not guilty, but the court denied his bail request and ordered his remand in prison custody until December 10.
Dayo Akeredolu, counsel to Farotimi, argued for bail under liberal terms and self-recognition, but the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, rejected the plea. Meanwhile, police prosecutor Samson Osun requested Farotimi’s remand pending further investigation.
The legal proceedings have sparked public interest in Farotimi’s book, causing a surge in demand. Hours after the court ruling, Roving Heights, a popular bookstore, reported its website had crashed due to “unusual traffic and a spike in demand for some titles.”
The case has drawn significant attention, with Farotimi’s work now a bestseller, reflecting its resonance with readers and the contentious nature of its subject matter.
