Bankole-Oki: Justice System Must Embrace Technology or Lose Public Trust

•As EFCC chair Olukoyede urges media to strengthen anti-corruption efforts

Wale Igbintade

Retired Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s justice system, urging the judiciary, legal professionals, and the media to adopt technology, align with international best practices, and engage actively with public feedback to restore public confidence.

Delivering the keynote address at the Nigerian Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC) Annual Lecture in Lagos, themed – “Strengthening the Administration of Justice Through Technology, International Best Practices, Media, and Public Feedback” – Justice Bankole-Oki said the justice system is in dire need of transformation.

“There is an urgent need to strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. Public trust has waned and rightly so. Rebuilding this trust is a collective responsibility,” she said.

She emphasised the media’s vital role, particularly judicial correspondents, whom she described as both informers and watchdogs.

While acknowledging the benefits of digital platforms in enhancing transparency, she cautioned against proposed regulations such as mandatory registration for bloggers that could stifle freedom of expression.

“Reporting should inform, not inflame. A defendant is not a convict. A bill is not law until passed. These distinctions matter,” she said, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism and report with accuracy and objectivity.

Justice Bankole-Oki praised innovations by the Lagos State Judiciary and called for broader adoption of virtual hearings, online dispute resolution (ODR), e-filing, paperless trials, automated transcription, and secure digital evidence systems.

She also emphasised the need for training of court personnel to effectively implement these tools.

Addressing the role of artificial intelligence (AI), she highlighted its usefulness in legal research, document review, and predictive analysis but warned against overreliance, stressing the need for human oversight.

She also urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and state judicial bodies to lead policy changes that prioritize technological innovation in the justice sector.

On whistleblowing, she called for safeguards to protect genuine whistleblowers and prevent misuse for personal vendettas. “Technology, media, international benchmarks, and public feedback are no longer optional, they are essential,” she concluded.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, described the anti-corruption fight as one that requires courage, consistency, and national unity.

“When efforts are acknowledged as they are today, it serves as a morale booster and reinforces our resolve to continue the fight with renewed vigour,” he said.

 Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC boss praised the growing public perception of the anti-corruption campaign as a patriotic duty, and stressed the media’s role in promoting integrity and accountability.

“We must accept the painful truth that every corrupt act chips away at our collective dignity and undermines our national aspirations. We can no longer treat corruption with levity. We must be firm, resolute, and united,” he said.

He called for stronger cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing that the media has the power to shape public discourse, expose wrongdoing, and help foster a culture where integrity is celebrated and misconduct punished.

Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho represented by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, called for greater collaboration between the judiciary and judicial correspondents to ensure accurate reporting of court proceedings.

He noted the Federal High Court’s advancements in technology, including virtual hearings and verbatim recording.

Chairman of the occasion, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, reiterated the need for reform, including the review of obsolete laws and broader media participation in the justice sector.

He commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s proposal to publish names of judicial nominees for public scrutiny as a step toward greater transparency.

NAJUC Chairman, Olugbenga Soyele, in his opening remarks, described the theme as timely and praised the media’s essential role in driving justice sector reforms.

During the event, the EFCC Chairman received a Special Award of Excellence for his commitment to the anti-corruption campaign.