The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has called for the careful and systematic use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s justice system, stressing that technology should assist judicial officers rather than take over their core responsibilities.
Fabian-Obot made the remarks on Monday while delivering an address titled “Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Transforming Nigeria’s Justice Sector through the Efficient Use of Artificial Intelligence” at a public lecture marking the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Akwa Ibom.
The Chief Judge said the judiciary could not remain isolated from technological developments that are transforming different sectors of society. She, however, emphasised that the adoption of AI must be guided by judicial values, ethical considerations, transparency and the need to preserve the independence and integrity of the judicial process.
According to her, AI could improve efficiency in the administration of justice by assisting with legal research, case management, transcription, documentation and other routine processes. She stressed that the technology should complement, rather than replace, the judgment, discretion and responsibility of judicial officers.
Fabian-Obot said the ultimate purpose of introducing technological innovations into the justice system should be to improve access to justice, increase efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary. She also described technology as needing to remain a servant of justice rather than becoming its master.
The comments come as the Akwa Ibom Judiciary continues to introduce AI into court processes. Earlier in March, the state judiciary began a pilot programme aimed at training judicial officers and staff on the use of AI in court proceedings. The initiative included plans for AI-supported transcription of court proceedings and was part of a wider effort to reduce delays and improve the administration of justice.
The Chief Judge’s latest position therefore places human judgment at the centre of the state’s technological transition. Her comments also reflect broader concerns within Nigeria’s legal sector about ensuring that AI remains subject to human oversight, constitutional principles and professional accountability.
At a separate legal and technology symposium in Port Harcourt earlier this month, judges, lawyers and technology experts similarly called for stronger safeguards and human oversight as AI becomes more integrated into Nigeria’s justice system. Participants raised concerns including bias, privacy, cybersecurity, digital evidence and accountability for decisions involving AI-assisted systems.
The Akwa Ibom Judiciary has also identified technology as part of its institutional vision, describing itself as a technology-driven institution committed to delivering justice fairly, promptly and efficiently.
As AI adoption expands within the justice sector, the challenge for courts will be to balance the efficiency that technology can provide with the human judgment, constitutional responsibility and judicial independence required when determining legal rights and obligations.
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