Nigeria’s Judiciary Confronts AI, Cybersecurity Challenges – CJN, Legal Experts

Nigeria’s Judiciary Confronts AI, Cybersecurity Challenges – CJN, Legal Experts

 

 

 

Nigeria’s judiciary is facing a critical juncture as it contends with the twin challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in its quest to modernise justice delivery.

 

At the Lagos State 2025/2026 New Legal Year Summit held Tuesday at the Muson Centre, key legal stakeholders, including Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and senior jurists, stressed the urgent need for the judiciary to adapt to digital realities while safeguarding its integrity.

 

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that technology is no longer optional in the administration of justice. “Technology is now central to justice delivery, but it comes with risks such as data breaches and manipulation of electronic records,” she warned.

 

While recognising the potential of AI and digital tools to improve efficiency and access to justice, the CJN cautioned that misuse of judicial information could undermine public trust. She urged legal practitioners to remain guided by integrity, diligence, and service, ensuring that technology strengthens, rather than dominates, justice.

 

Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting judicial digitalisation. He highlighted the dangers of biased algorithms, insecure data, and tampering with electronic evidence. “If court systems are infiltrated by malicious actors, the sanctity of justice is at risk,” he said.

 

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Musashiru Obasa, noted that the lack of state-level legal frameworks to regulate cybersecurity poses a challenge. He called for discussions on empowering states to legislate on digital threats to better protect citizens.

 

Keynote speaker Olumide Babalola explored AI’s integration into everyday life, from smart devices to automated services, stressing that AI is no longer futuristic but a present reality. He recounted a personal experience where his e-filing credentials were used to file fraudulent cases, highlighting the need for vigilance and regular auditing of digital accounts.

 

Babalola also cited global examples, including Australia, China, the UK, South Africa, and Kenya, where AI is being integrated into justice systems. He urged Nigeria to continue embracing technology while remaining mindful of ethical and security concerns.

 

Earlier, Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Kazeem Alogba echoed the inevitability of AI in legal practice, warning that while AI offers efficiency, it also brings risks of fraud and procedural manipulation. “We cannot run from AI. We must prepare to navigate its challenges or risk being overwhelmed,” he said.

 

In her welcome address, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, described the summit as a critical platform for bridging knowledge gaps. She reaffirmed the Lagos State Judiciary’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness in justice delivery.

 

The summit highlighted the urgent need for Nigerian judges and lawyers to embrace innovation while safeguarding judicial integrity amid the rapidly evolving digital landscape.