AI should complement, not replace, judicial officers – A’Ibom CJ

Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot at the press conference.

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has called for the systematic application of Artificial Intelligence in the administration of justice in Nigeria, cautioning that technology must remain “the servant of justice, not its master.”

Fabian-Obot disclosed this 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 noted that the judiciary could not afford to remain isolated from the rapid technological developments reshaping virtually every sector of society.

She stressed that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the justice sector must be guided by judicial values, ethical considerations, transparency, and the need to preserve the independence and integrity of the judicial process.

She said, “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve efficiency in the administration of justice by assisting with legal research, case management, transcription, documentation and other routine processes.

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

Justice Fabian-Obot maintained that the ultimate purpose of every technological innovation introduced into the justice system must be to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

She expressed gratitude to God for His mercies throughout 2026, while expressing strong faith that God would continue to protect and preserve the judiciary and the people in the new Legal Year. She also thanked the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for listening to and catering to the needs of the judiciary.

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The state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, congratulated the state judiciary on the robust relationship that has existed between the executive and the judiciary since the inception of his administration.

Governor Eno said his administration was committed to strengthening the existing cordiality between the two arms of government, noting that the commitment was reflected in various projects embarked upon to cater to the needs of judges and strengthen the judiciary.

He listed some of the projects as including the 50-unit modern residential facility known as the Judiciary Quarters, which, according to him, would be commissioned and formally handed over to the judiciary in the course of the new Legal Year.

He also disclosed that a new Court of Appeal complex was currently under construction in Uyo to ensure easier access to justice at the appellate level, adding that the project would be commissioned and handed over to the President of the Court of Appeal within the 2027 Legal Year.

The Governor further disclosed that earlier in the year, a law was passed establishing the Office of the Public Defender, which would become operational in the course of the new Legal Year.