Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized a recent court order directing the seizure of Dele Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
HURIWA in a statement on Thursday, described the order as a stark example of anti-intellectualism and a setback for democratic ideals, likening it to medieval practices that suppress intellectual freedom.
HURIWA condemned the warning issued to bookstores by Afe Babalola’s law firm, stating that such actions are unconstitutional and infringe on the fundamental rights of individuals and businesses.
“The blanket warning to bookshops not to stock or sell the book, despite their lack of involvement in the suit, constitutes a gross violation of their rights,” HURIWA stated.
“This effectively punishes entities that have not been accused or convicted of any wrongdoing, setting a dangerous precedent for freedom of commerce and expression.”, the statement continued.
Rather than resorting to judicial actions, HURIWA challenged Afe Babalola to write a counter-book to refute Farotimi’s allegedly defamatory claims.
“The most effective response to ideas, whether agreeable or not, is to present superior arguments and evidence. Intellectual battles should be fought with reason, not repression.”, it said.
HURIWA warned that the court order could encourage piracy and underground trading, threatening intellectual property rights and the publishing industry. “Blocking legitimate avenues for accessing a book creates fertile ground for black-market operations, undermining intellectualism and respect for the rule of law.”
HURIWA emphasized the importance of allowing controversial works to spark dialogue, asserting that such discussions help societies evolve and grow.
The organization called on the judiciary to exercise caution and urged the Nigerian Bar Association to advocate for intellectual engagement over censorship.
HURIWA reminded Nigerians of the historical dangers of suppressing ideas: “From the Crusades to the authoritarian regimes of the 20th century, history is replete with examples of how suppressing books and ideas fuels resentment and undermines progress. Nigeria must learn from the past and embrace intellectual freedom and robust debate to build a society where justice and knowledge thrive.”
