Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekeleyekun has called for an urgent overhaul of the country’s criminal justice system, stressing the need for technological integration to address widespread inefficiency, long delays and rampant corruption. Ta.
Speaking at the 2nd Regional Conference on Criminal Justice Management held in Abuja on Monday, Kekeleyekun urged stakeholders to adopt innovative solutions such as digital case management systems, e-filing platforms and virtual hearings. did.
“When used effectively, technology is a powerful tool for increasing the transparency, efficiency and accessibility of criminal justice processes,” said Ms. Kekere Ekun.
He cited the success of Lagos State’s Bail Management Information System, which automates bail procedures through a web-based platform, as a model for wider implementation.
Additionally, she highlighted the potential of digital forensics, including the use of drones and CCTV, to provide critical evidence in investigations.
Users of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and court system generally face significant obstacles, including a backlog of cases, long delays in court proceedings, and a pervasive culture of corruption.
Leticia Ayola Daniel, Director of Judicial Reform at the Federal Ministry of Justice. Credit: Emmanuel Agbo
protect the independence of the judiciary
While advocating advances in technology, Ms Kekere-Ekun warned of potential threats to judicial independence.
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“Judiciary independence is the cornerstone of a functional democracy,” she asserted, stressing the need to protect digital platforms from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
“The less manual our systems are, the less vulnerable they are to corruption,” he added, calling for a judicial framework that empowers judges to make impartial decisions free from outside influence.
Ms. Kekeleyekun also acknowledged that there are barriers to implementing technology in Nigeria’s justice system, including inadequate digital infrastructure, insufficient training of judicial staff, and budget constraints.
He called for comprehensive training programs for judicial officers, court administrators, and law enforcement personnel to effectively utilize digital innovations.
Mr. Adeji Adekunle, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Credit: Emmanuel Agbo
Coordinated efforts and national initiatives
Ms. Kekere Ekun commended the continued efforts of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within Nigeria’s courts.
Through the National Judicial Technology Policy, the NJC has outlined a framework for implementing digital tools, such as case management software and electronic monitoring devices, aimed at streamlining court processes.
Echoing this call for modernization, Leticia Ayoola Daniel, Director of the Judicial Reform Department at the Federal Ministry of Justice, delivered remarks on behalf of the Federal Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi.
She detailed initiatives designed to increase transparency and efficiency within the legal system. Recent advances include the establishment of a federal courtroom with advanced ICT infrastructure and the launch of two virtual courtrooms at Kuje Correctional Center to expedite judicial proceedings.
Group photo of participants: Credit: Emmanuel Agbo
State-level innovation
Lagos and Borno states were recognized for their innovative approaches to incorporating technology in judicial reforms.
Lagos City has introduced a Judicial Case Management Information System to enhance case tracking, while Borno City is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to fight organized crime.
The Federal Ministry of Justice is also working on building a centralized justice sector information management system to facilitate real-time case tracking and ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA).
Regional cooperation
During the meeting, Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkorunou, speaking on behalf of Judge Nana Akwaba of Ghana, expressed optimism for enhanced judicial cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria.
He highlighted advances in Ghana’s judiciary, including the introduction of digital court management and virtual hearings aimed at reducing human intervention in court proceedings.
“Technology is both a boon and a challenge,” Justice Akwaba said, noting that these digitalization initiatives have significantly reduced opportunities for corruption and accelerated the administration of justice.
A common commitment to reform
The conference, organized by the Julitrust Socio-Legal Research and Documentation Center in collaboration with civil society organizations such as CLEEN, FIDA, ICPC and LEDAP, will be held from October 21st to 23rd. The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, aims to explore how advances in technology can enhance the efficiency and accountability of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Mr. Adeji Adekunle, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, welcomed participants in his opening remarks and emphasized the importance of integrating technology into the criminal justice framework.
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