Digital Disruption: Stakeholders Chart Path for AI‑Driven Justice System!

Digital Disruption: Stakeholders Chart Path for AI‑Driven Justice System!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung | Sele Media Africa Reporter

Abuja / Lagos — Legal experts, technologists and judicial stakeholders have come together in recent forums to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovations can reform Nigeria’s justice system while warning of serious risks to ensure fairness, data security, and public trust are not compromised.

Key Moves & Proposals

• At the Justice Innovation & Technology (JIT) Summit 2025 in Abuja, stakeholders introduced JUDIC AI, a suite of solutions aimed at accelerating case management, reducing backlog, and decongesting prisons. The initiative has already been piloted in several states, with reported improvements: in five states, case dockets were reduced by ~50%, helping over 2,500 pre‑trial detainees. [1]
• Non‑profit organisations like Citizens’ Gavel have rolled out AI‑powered platforms, such as “Podus”, designed to make justice more accessible to vulnerable citizens. The tool helps users draft legal letters, locate legal resources, and connect with pro bono lawyers via AI‑assisted interfaces. [2]
• The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, has called for a cautious but urgent adoption of AI in the courts. She stresses that AI should augment, not replace, human judgment. She also warned about the risk of data breaches and manipulation of electronic records if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

Challenges to Overcome

• Infrastructure & Digital Divide: Many courts still rely on manual systems. Uneven access to reliable electricity, stable internet, and digital tools remains a major bottleneck. [4]
• Legal & Regulatory Gaps: States often lack the legal power to legislate cybersecurity or digital justice protocols. Rules governing AI, digital evidence, records, and algorithmic bias are still nascent. [3]
• Capacity & Skills Building: Many judges, court staff, and legal practitioners lack training in digital tools. There are calls for regular training and auditing to ensure safe and ethical use of AI and to guard against misuse. [3]

The Road Ahead

Analysts and legal tech advocates suggest a multi‑pronged path forward:

1. Develop and codify ethical, legal frameworks for AI in justice—covering data privacy, algorithmic fairness, auditability.
2. Scale pilot programs like JUDIC AI and Podus across more states, with feedback loops.
3. Strengthen infrastructure, invest in internet connectivity, power, digital courtrooms.
4. Train personnel (judges, lawyers, court clerks) in both technology and ethics.
5. Engage civil society to build public trust, and ensure transparency in how AI tools make decisions.

This rise of AI in justice represents a major inflection point: The promise is speed, transparency, access—but without restraint, trust in the justice system could be undermined.

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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