Harnessing Artificial Intelligence To Enhance Access To Justice In Nigeria -By Samson Ojodomo Onuche

The Nigerian Criminal Justice System has long been under scrutiny, with stakeholders continuously reexamining various interventions and their lack of impact in improving access to justice. While the government of Nigeria has engaged in various interventions at different stages, including establishing legal aid programs, expanding the reach of legal clinics, implementing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and promoting public legal education initiatives to improve access to justice, stakeholders such as Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and legal aid organisations in Nigeria have also been involved. These organisations have undertaken several interventions, such as providing free or subsidised legal assistance to indigent individuals, offering legal advice and representation, advocacy, community legal empowerment programs, outreach programs and collaboration with government agencies, in a bid to enhance access to justice.

At this stage, it is pertinent to inquire, what is access to justice? Access to justice encompasses the ability of individuals and communities to effectively utilise the legal system to protect their rights, seek remedies for grievances, and participate in legal processes. It addresses barriers such as physical distance, economic constraints, lack of information, cultural and linguistic differences, procedural complexities, and social and institutional biases. The importance of the right to access to equal justice in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Section 46 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees this right in order to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in Nigeria.

Amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s approach to criminal justice. AI holds immense promise in bridging the gap between the law and its beneficiaries. Through innovative applications and strategic integration, AI has the potential to democratise access to justice, empowering individuals and reshaping Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Among the most promising avenues for AI intervention are legal assistance chatbots. These AI-powered assistants have the potential to offer vital information, guidance and support to individuals going through legal hurdles. Whether clarifying rights, explaining legal procedures, or directing users to relevant resources, these chatbots serve as lifelines, particularly in communities where access to legal aid is scarce. The government and other stakeholders can leverage this AI to innovate a tailored Nigerian Criminal Justice legal Assistance Chatbots that will address several intricacies in the Nigeria Justice System.

There are also avenues for the exploitation of AI-driven document analysis and automation. This AI tool offers a route to efficiency and affordability within the Nigerian justice system. By swiftly parsing through legal documents, AI algorithms can identify critical insights, flag potential discrepancies and expedite processes such as evidence review, position of the law and general case preparation. This not only saves time and resources for justice involved persons  but also ensures thoroughness in the pursuit of equal access to justice.

The Nigeria Criminal Justice system can also reduce the burden on the court, by  exploring Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platforms. AI-powered ODR platforms offer transformative solutions to traditional court proceedings. These platforms facilitate mediation, negotiation and arbitration. This holds the potential of fostering swift, cost-effective dispute resolution that will lead to a win-win situation for victims of crime, the defendant and the State.

The court, investigating agencies and justice involved persons have also been confronted with Language translation barriers. Embedded language translation tools within AI systems (locally developed to have major local languages in Nigeria) can address linguistic barriers. This will  ensure justice is accessible to all, irrespective of language proficiency. By enabling multilingual comprehension. This AI tool when adopted in the administration of criminal justice will promote inclusivity and facilitate meaningful participation in investigation and legal proceedings.

Adopting AI-driven case management systems in various courts will also help to streamline court operations, track case progress and optimise judicial resources. These systems mitigate backlogs, refine scheduling and enhance overall court efficiency.

While the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) is mandated to provide legal aid to indigent citizens, AI platforms can aid matching individuals in need of legal aid with pro bono lawyers or affordable service providers, based on specific needs and geographical location, enhancing accessibility to crucial legal assistance.

By leveraging AI innovation, Nigeria can usher in an era of justice characterised by accessibility, efficiency and equity. Through this embrace of technology, Nigeria can chart a course toward a more just and inclusive society, fulfilling the promise of equal access to justice for all its citizens. As we consider embracing  AI’s potential in the administration of justice, we must proceed with caution, ensuring that ethical considerations, transparency and accountability are factored into the development and use of these technologies in the administration of justice in Nigeria.