Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, has skyrocketed to bestseller status on Amazon, following the author’s recent arrest tied to a defamation complaint filed by Nigerian lawyer and businessman Afe Babalola.
According to a report by Vanguard, the book surged to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list on Thursday evening.
A bestseller is defined as a book or product that sells in exceptionally high volumes.
The surge in popularity on global platforms like Amazon was mirrored by a rush to bookstores across Nigeria, as citizens clamored to explore the controversial content within Farotimi’s book.
The author’s arrest on Tuesday, reportedly influenced by Babalola’s petition, significantly heightened public interest.
Babalola, 93, claims that Farotimi’s book falsely accuses him of corrupting Nigeria’s judiciary.
The book, published in July 2024, critiques widespread corruption in Nigeria’s legal system and highlights alleged unethical actions by legal professionals.
Although initial sales of the book were relatively low, the attention surrounding Farotimi’s arrest sparked a dramatic rise in its popularity, propelling it to bestseller status.
Farotimi was detained by armed police officers in Lagos on Tuesday and subsequently transported to Ado Ekiti, about 300 kilometers northeast of Lagos, where Babalola holds significant influence.
The following day, Farotimi was arraigned in Ekiti, and a judge ordered his remand until a bail hearing set for December 10.
