AI Should Complement, Not Replace Judicial Officers, A’Ibom CJ Says

Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Ekaete Fabian-Obot says artificial intelligence can improve the administration of justice but must not replace the judgment and responsibility of judicial officers.

Daniel Momodu · September 28, 2026 · 46

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has called for the systematic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s justice sector, stressing that technology should complement rather than replace judicial officers.

Fabian-Obot made the call 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.

She said the judiciary could not remain isolated from technological developments transforming various sectors, but stressed that AI adoption must be guided by judicial values, ethical considerations, transparency, and the preservation of judicial independence and integrity.

According to her, AI could 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,” she said.

The Chief Judge said the ultimate purpose of introducing technology into the justice system should be to improve access to justice, enhance efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

She also expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for its support to the judiciary and said she looked forward to further improvements during the new legal year.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, congratulated the judiciary and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between the executive and judiciary.

Eyakenyi said the administration had undertaken projects to improve the welfare and working environment of judicial officers.

She listed a 50-unit modern residential facility known as the Judiciary Quarters among the projects, saying it would be commissioned and handed over to the judiciary during the new legal year.

She also disclosed that construction was ongoing on a new Court of Appeal complex in Uyo, which would be commissioned and handed over to the President of the Court of Appeal during the 2027 legal year.

The Deputy Governor further said the state had enacted legislation establishing the Office of the Public Defender, which would become operational during the new legal year.