Benue State University, Makurdi

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Revolutionising Criminal Justice: Opportunities and Challenges for Nigeria

Feranmi Adeoye*

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), comprising machine learning and analytical algorithm-based systems, has emerged as a transformative force in the criminal justice sector across the world, revolutionising traditional practices and enhancing efficiency for all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, legal practitioners, correctional institutions, and policymakers. While criminals are deploying AI to actualize new possibilities in the commission of crimes, criminal justice stakeholders are also actively integrating AI into their crime control and prevention strategies. AI is increasingly being deployed to automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and handle vast amounts of data, resulting in more efficient case management and faster resolution of criminal cases. It makes data-driven decision-making possible through algorithms that can analyse large datasets, identify patterns, and provide insights for quick and quality decision-making by stakeholders. It has become important to amplify a conversation on the potential opportunities and challenges that Nigeria may face while adopting AI to revolutionise its criminal justice sector. This article explores these opportunities and finds that some of the challenges limiting the development include concerns about privacy and data security, a lack of requisite training and expertise in handling AI systems, scepticism from stakeholders, and potential biases in AI algorithms, among others. It argues that the technical and ethical concerns associated with AI should not be ignored in order to build public trust and confidence in its integration. Conclusively, it recommends that collaborative efforts among all stakeholders are indispensable in charting a sustainable path towards leveraging AI for a more efficient criminal justice system.

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