Don’t Succumb to External Pressure in Your Judgements, CJN Warns Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges not to allow external pressures to influence their judgments while presiding over cases. The CJN made the statement during the opening of the 2024 Annual Conference of Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday.

Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that for the judiciary to maintain the public’s trust, its judgments must be rooted in firm legal principles, reflecting the unbiased input of every judge on the panel. She described the collective dedication of judicial officers as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s legal system and stressed that the judiciary must engage in collective introspection to retain public confidence.

“Introspection is essential, not just as individuals but as a unified judiciary, to navigate the complexities of modern justice delivery,” the CJN stated. She further emphasized that introspection should not be a passive exercise but an active commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and integrity.

According to the CJN, introspection serves as a critical tool for enhancing judicial performance, refining judgments, and boosting public confidence. She called on judges to embrace self-awareness and professional growth to adapt to evolving societal expectations.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also underscored the importance of judges participating in pre-judgment conferences. She stated that holding conferences to collectively deliberate on cases would boost mutual respect, improve understanding, and enhance decision quality.

On the issue of cybercrime and digital evidence, the CJN called for constant training for judges handling such cases, urging the appellate court to ensure its justices are well-equipped to deal with digital challenges.

Additionally, Justice Kekere-Ekun revealed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has resolved to impose sanctions on individuals who write frivolous petitions against judges.

In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, discussed the challenges the judiciary faces with the rise of social media, including managing online reputations, cyberbullying, and the preservation of digital evidence in legal proceedings. She highlighted the importance of intellectual development within the judiciary and a regular examination of practices to ensure fairness and efficiency in the digital age.

Justice Dongban-Mensem also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, noting its potential to improve efficiency and decision-making. However, she raised concerns about AI’s potential biases and its use as a tool for adjudication, stressing that AI should complement, not replace, the role of judges.

The conference, which featured a keynote address by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, included dignitaries such as the Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, as well as top officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), and other key stakeholders.