The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised legal practitioners to exercise caution in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) into the nation’s legal framework to maintain its sanctity.
Speaking at the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN)’s 16th annual general conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Law Religion in Nigeria,” the CJN urged legal practitioners to use artificial intelligence (AI ) with critical minds to avoid disruption of the nation’s established cultural norms and values.
Represented by the Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, Justice Kekere-Ekun said that artificial intelligence is the replication of human intelligence into machines to engage in problem solving using technology, which makes work easier and faster.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted, that the Nigerian legal system must be kept abreast with this new development in the use of artificial intelligence in the adjudication of cases.”
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim, advised Muslim lawyers to adopt the use of artificial intelligence to support research in legal practice.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali-Pantami, urged the federal government through the National Assembly to consider a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Deployment Act in Nigeria to address the deployment of AI for crimes.
“Muslim legal practitioners should ensure Islamic ethics are respected while adopting the use of artificial intelligence in their practice.” Ali-Pantami advised
On his part, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Professor Yusuf Ali SAN, urged legal practitioners to use artificial intelligence to champion the cause of humanity and ensure the progress of the religion.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the National President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Saidu Muhammed Tundun-Wada, said “artificial intelligence innovations present unprecedented opportunities, enhance access to justice, and improve legal service delivery.