Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Warns Against Letting AI Take Control of Nigeria’s Justice System

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has urged Nigeria’s judiciary to adopt Artificial Intelligence in a structured and responsible manner, stressing that technology should support the justice system rather than control it.

Fabian-Obot made the call on Monday during a public lecture organised to mark the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Akwa Ibom State.

Her address, titled “Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Transforming Nigeria’s Justice Sector through the Efficient Use of Artificial Intelligence,” focused on the opportunities and risks associated with introducing AI into judicial administration.

Technology must remain subordinate to judicial values

The Chief Judge said the judiciary could not afford to remain detached from technological advances that are transforming different areas of society.

However, she cautioned that the introduction of AI into the justice sector must be guided by established judicial principles, ethical standards and transparency.

According to Fabian-Obot, technological innovation must also respect the independence and integrity of judicial processes.

She emphasised that AI should remain “the servant of justice, not its master.”

AI could reduce routine pressures on the judiciary

Fabian-Obot identified several areas where artificial intelligence could assist judicial officers and court administrators.

These include legal research, case management, transcription, documentation and other routine administrative functions.

She said the technology could improve efficiency while allowing judicial officers to concentrate on responsibilities requiring human judgment and discretion.

“Technology should complement, rather than replace, the judgment, discretion and responsibility of judicial officers,” she said.

Access to justice remains the ultimate goal

The Chief Judge said the introduction of technology should not be viewed simply as a modernisation exercise.

Instead, every innovation adopted by the justice system should ultimately serve the public by making justice more accessible, improving efficiency and strengthening confidence in the judiciary.

She therefore called for a systematic approach to AI adoption rather than the uncontrolled introduction of emerging technologies into judicial processes.

Chief Judge thanks Akwa Ibom government

Fabian-Obot also expressed gratitude for what she described as God’s mercies throughout 2026 and expressed confidence that the judiciary and people of the state would continue to receive divine protection during the new Legal Year.

She also thanked Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support and for responding to the needs of the judiciary.

Eno reaffirms cooperation with the judiciary

Governor Eno, represented at the event by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, congratulated the state judiciary and highlighted the relationship between the executive and judicial arms of government since his administration began.

The governor said his administration remained committed to maintaining the existing cooperation while implementing projects intended to improve the working and living conditions of judges and strengthen judicial institutions.

New judiciary quarters expected to be handed over

Among the projects highlighted by Eno was a 50-unit modern residential development known as the Judiciary Quarters.

He said the facility would be commissioned and formally handed over to the judiciary during the new Legal Year.

The project is intended to provide additional residential accommodation for members of the judiciary.

New Court of Appeal complex under construction

The governor also announced that construction was underway on a new Court of Appeal complex in Uyo.

According to Eno, the project is intended to make access to appellate justice easier for residents and strengthen the infrastructure supporting the state’s judicial system.

He said the complex is expected to be commissioned and handed over to the President of the Court of Appeal during the 2027 Legal Year.

Public Defender’s office set to begin operations

Another development highlighted by the governor was the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender.

Eno said legislation creating the office was passed earlier in the year and that it would become operational during the new Legal Year.

The development adds another component to the state’s justice infrastructure as Akwa Ibom begins the 2026/2027 Legal Year.