The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, has sounded a strong warning about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary.
She emphasized that AI must never replace the role of judges in delivering justice.
Justice Dongban-Mensem gave this advice on Monday at the opening of the Court of Appeal Justices 2024 Conference in Abuja.
The event brought together top legal minds, including the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Dongban-Mensem acknowledged the transformative power of technology in the judiciary.
She noted that AI has the potential to improve efficiency, decision-making, and access to justice.
However, she cautioned that its adoption must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
“AI raises critical concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability,” she said.
She further stressed that digital evidence, a key element in modern trials, must be handled with integrity.
“The judiciary must ensure AI is used as a tool, not as a replacement for judges,” she added.
The Appeal Court President highlighted the dual-edged nature of social media.
She explained that while it has improved communication, it has also created challenges for the judiciary.
“Cyberbullying, harassment, and online reputation management are now significant issues,” she stated.
Justice Dongban-Mensem called for regular intellectual engagement to keep the judiciary up-to-date in addressing these issues.
“Existing practices and policies must be examined to ensure fairness in the digital age,” she advised.
Justice Dongban-Mensem urged judicial stakeholders to work together to enhance the administration of justice.
“Collaboration and synergy among stakeholders are crucial,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of conferences and discussions among appellate judges to reduce conflicting judgments.
“We are an appellate court for a reason,” she said. “Several heads are better than one.”
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, also spoke at the conference.
He acknowledged persistent challenges to judicial independence, including political interference and public criticism on social media.
He urged justices to remain steadfast in their duty to uphold justice.
“The Executive Branch will remain a developmental and statutory partner in the administration of justice,” Fagbemi said.
He promised to provide the judiciary with the resources needed to perform its role effectively.
