Why courts cannot remain detached from technology developments — CJN

By Prince Osuagwu, Hi-Tech Editor

Yesterday, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, stated that courts must engage with technological developments, citing the growing burden of digital fraud, privacy breaches and misinformation cases that judges encounter daily.

She delivered these comments at the 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) together with the Nigerian Judicial Institute (NJI).

Represented by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Chief Justice acknowledged that courts are now dealing with a growing number of cases involving online harassment, cyber fraud and misuse of digital platforms, which demand a careful balance among constitutional rights, public safety and regulatory enforcement.

She noted that rapid advances in digital technology have reshaped governance, commerce, education and financial transactions, while also raising complex questions of accountability, compliance and regulation.

She argued that because telecommunications infrastructure underpins economic activity, governance systems and financial services throughout Nigeria, any disruption to connectivity could threaten national stability and diminish institutional efficiency.

She said: “Cyber threats, vandalism and unlawful interference with telecom infrastructure are straining legal and regulatory systems.”

She added, “Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is becoming increasingly complex and demands stronger judicial understanding; therefore, courts can no longer remain detached from technological developments.”

“Judicial officers must understand emerging digital realities shaping disputes,” she continued.

She emphasized that courts are now interpreting laws related to digital communications, cyber accountability, online conduct and infrastructure protection.

She stressed the need for legal precision, consistency and informed judicial reasoning.

She cited examples from India, South Africa and the United Kingdom, where courts are shaping digital regulation through their decisions.

She acknowledged that courts will continue to confront technology‑driven disputes that demand greater technical and legal expertise