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.
Mrs Kekere-Ekun made the call while 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 AI with critical minds to avoid disruption of the nations established cultural norms and values.
Represented by the Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division,. Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, Mrs Kekere -Ekun noted that AI is the replication of human intelligence into machine to engage in problem solving using technology which makes work easier and faster.
Mrs Kekere-Ekun maintained that the Nigerian legal system must be kept abreast with this new development so as not to be left behind in adapting to this novel artificial intelligence in the adjudication of cases .
In his address, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barri. Senior Ibrahim, advised Muslim lawyers to adopt artificial intelligence to support research in legal practice.
He assured the legal practitioners the determination of his administration to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen the state judiciary and promote legal practice.
In his keynote speech at the event, Former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. 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 deployment of AI for crimes.
Mr Ali-Pantami advised Muslim legal practitioners to ensure islamic ethics are respected while adopting artificial intelligence in their practice.
On his part the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN, urged legal practitioners to use artificial intelligence to champion the cause of humanity and ensure progress of the religion.
Earlier in his address of welcome address, the MULAN National President Saidu Muhammed Tundun-Wada, said artificial intelligence innovations present unprecedented opportunities, enhance access to justice and improve legal service delivery
He urged the legal practitioners to carefully use artificial intelligence in a ways it will adhere to the fundamental ethical principles that govern the profession and religion.
