THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE ADJUDICATION OF CASES IN NIGERIA THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a new phenomenon in adjudication of cases in Nigeria.
Globally, AI has gradually transformed various sectors, including the legal system. The
society where we are living is dynamic and as a result Nigerian legal system must thrive to
cope up with this new development in other not to be left behind in adapting to AI in the
adjudication of cases in Nigeria. AI's integration into the legal sphere involves the use of
technology to analyze legal data, predict case outcomes, automate routine legal tasks, and
even assist in judicial decision-making. The application of AI in legal contexts is not
uniform across jurisdictions, but there has been a discernible trend towards its adoption,
particularly in advanced legal systems in the United States, the European Union and in
Asia countries like China. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Nigerian
legal system holds significant potential for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of legal
proceedings. Nigerian judiciary faces numerous challenges, including delays in case
resolution, a backlog of cases, and inconsistencies in judicial decisions. AI can address
these issues by automating routine tasks, predicting case outcomes, and ensuring
consistent application of the law. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the
potential integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Nigerian judicial system, the
statutory framework that could support its integration in Nigeria, to analyze the various
issues and challenges that may arise from the integration of AI into judicial adjudication
in Nigeria.