Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned that while artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for efficiency and greater access to justice, the risks of data breaches and manipulation of electronic records could erode public trust in the judiciary if not properly managed.
Delivering her goodwill message at the Lagos State Judiciary 2025/2026 new legal year summit held at MUSON Centre, Lagos, Justice Kekere-Ekun said technology is no longer optional but essential for justice delivery.
She urged the legal community to recommit to fairness, impartiality, and accountability as they adopt digital tools.
The summit, themed “Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Justice System: The Bar, The Bench and the Ethical Concerns,”
brought together judges, lawyers, policymakers, and legislators to explore both the opportunities and ethical challenges that technology poses to the justice system.
The CJN underscored the urgency of proactive measures, warning that breaches of data, tampering with court records, and misuse of judicial information could compromise the credibility of the judiciary.
“Trust is fragile. If technology is abused or left unsecured, the entire system is at risk,” she said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN), echoed her concerns and pledged continued support for the judiciary’s digital transformation.
He emphasized the importance of responsible adoption, warning that biased algorithms, insecure databases, and tampered evidence could jeopardize justice delivery.
“We cannot allow malicious actors to infiltrate the court system. The sanctity of justice must be preserved,” he said, while assuring that Lagos would continue investing in infrastructure, digitisation, and training for judicial officers and lawyers.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, highlighted the limitations of state legislatures in addressing cybersecurity, noting that it remains on the federal government’s exclusive list.
He called for reforms that would allow states to enact laws tailored to local realities to better protect residents from digital crime.
Digital rights advocate, Mr. Olumide Babalola, delivered a keynote address that blended humour with serious insights, stressing that AI is already shaping everyday life.
He warned that unless court portals and e-filing systems are regularly audited, they remain vulnerable to abuse, citing his personal experience of having cases filed using his credentials without his consent.
Earlier, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, acknowledged that AI is now unavoidable in justice delivery but cautioned that its rapid evolution poses significant challenges.
“We cannot run away from it. AI is changing almost daily, and if we do not keep pace, we risk being overwhelmed,” he warned.
Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, chair of the summit’s planning committee, described the event as a deliberate effort to bridge knowledge gaps and equip stakeholders with the tools to thrive in a digital era.
She reaffirmed the Lagos State Judiciary’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
