Courtroom Technology in Nigeria: The Digital Justice Revolution

INTRODUCTION

Over the last decade, the question people asked has shifted from ‘do you use technology in the courtroom?’ to “why don’t you use technology in the courtroom?” Traditionally, courtrooms mostly used paper-based systems, they relied heavily on handwritten records, physical documents and witnesses are required to show up physically in court which resulted in delays, loss of records, and congestion in courts. In contemporary judicial system, the integration of technology is not just helpful, it is essential.

In Nigeria, these technological developments in court accelerated particularly after the    COVID-19 Pandemic which enabled remote hearings. A notable example of virtual hearing occurred in Lagos State High Court (Ikeja) via a zoom call on May 4, 2020, in the murder trial of Olalekan Hameed (ID/90006C/2019), he was sentenced to death by hanging for killing his employer’s mother, Jolasun Okusanya. 

Despite these reforms, critical legal and institutional challenges persist. This raises important questions such as: “To what extent has courtroom technology improved justice delivery in Nigeria and what legal and institutional barriers hinder its full implementation? Do the current rules of evidence and court procedures, particularly under Nigeria’s Evidence Act 2011(as amended) enable Electronic Evidence and Virtual Proceedings?”

This article argues that while courtroom technology has significantly improved judicial efficiency and accessibility to litigants in Nigeria, its full potential remains constrained by outdated evidentiary rules and resistance by court. 

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The primary legal framework on Courtroom technology are the Evidence Act 2011 (as amended in 2023), particularly section 84 on the admissibility of electronic evidence, the Supreme Court Rules 2024 (Order 18 authorizes virtual hearing and Order 17 establishes NCMS e-filing portal and recognizes electronic signature), the Court of Appeal Rules 2021 (Order 17 establishes a 24-hour electronic filing system and Order 21 permits remote hearings), and relevant provisions in the 1999 Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (CRPD). This section outlines and explains how these legal frameworks establish the basis of E-filing, virtual hearings, digital case management and presentation of electronic evidence.

Courtroom technology operates within court which is regarded as an organ of government. According to the 2nd Edition of Black’s Law Dictionary “the court was defined as an organ of government which belongs to the judicial department, whose function is the application of laws to controversies brought before it and public administration of justice.”

Courtroom technology is a set of digital tools that support the operational, procedural, and presentational needs of trial and appellate courts. Technology in the courtroom can be found in the use of e-filing, case management systems, the use of remote witnesses, the display of evidence using a projector, managing exhibits, enabling hybrid hearings, and recording proceedings. The users of courtroom technology include judges, clerks, court administrators, and lawyers. The main aim of courtroom technology is to improve accuracy, efficiency, fair hearing and transparency in the judicial process. Courtroom technology does not replace judges or lawyers, it supports the administration of justice. It’s necessary to talk about how court practices in Nigeria have evolved to accommodate these technological tools.

The legal profession is seen as a conservative institution that is deeply rooted in legal traditions and formalities. Everyone who takes part in the judicial process has to adhere strictly to judicial precedent and court procedures. The role of technology in modern legal system is undeniable. Before technology emerged, the courtroom used shorthand systems, and court proceedings were recorded using handwritten notes and typewriters. When computers became common, the courts adopted them for recordkeeping and to process information and tracking of cases rather than the use of paper-based systems. According to sources, Nigeria’s evolution began in the 1980s and sped up around the 2010s with the use of electronic filing, case management systems, and virtual hearings which was more prominent in 2020 due to COVID-19, which caused a lockdown. “According to the Public and Private Development Centre, the organization piloted court digitization in 24 courts with JudyAI and translators in Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states.” Courts in Nigeria now have videotaped testimonies, electronic filing, copying machines, they can scan documents, project evidence and they have made provisions for individuals with disabilities. All these technological advancements make the court more efficient and transparent. Technology has been infused fully into the courts processes, making trials clearer and accessible especially for vulnerable witnesses, and individuals with disabilities. Lawyers have the capacity to use these digital tools for legal research, drafting of cases, and case management. The Supreme Court Rules 2024 and Court of Appeal Rules of 2021 allow the use of technology in the court. There are a lot of questions regarding the authenticity and reliability of electronic evidence. Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011, which was amended in 2023 provides four conditions for the acceptance of electronic evidence:“ a) proof that the computer producing the evidence was in regular use, b) the computer must be regularly supplied with the information needed in the ordinary course of business, c) the computer must be operating properly during the relevant period, d) the information was derived from that computer and a certificate identifying the computer and confirming compliance must be signed by a responsible officer.” 

Article 13 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) states that “state parties should ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities just like others.” However, courts and justice systems around the world are undergoing digital transformation. This obligation implies that individuals with disabilities should not be excluded. In Nigeria, it is reflected in section 109 and 110 of the Evidence Act 2023, as amended, which permits an affidavit to be sworn before the right persons, “whether in person or through audiovisual means.” inclusive for individuals with mobility impairment by enabling them to participate virtually, and it reduce the need for physical court attendance. An individual can now take an oath remotely, which is admissible in Nigerian courts. Section 119(2) requires that such audio-visual affidavits include details of the method used on the date, which ensures procedural integrity.

This amendment makes the judicial system more inclusive for individuals with mobility impairment by enabling them to participate virtually, and it reduces the need for physical court attendance. These provisions and the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing (section 36) form part of the legal framework within which courtroom operates.

CASE LAW ANALYSIS 

Nigerian courts have begun to embrace courtroom technology. “As Sule and others observed the Lagos State High Court had it first virtual hearing on May 4, 2020 in the case of Olalekan Hameed v State, where the accused was tried, convicted and sentenced for murder of a 76 year old Mrs Jolasun Okunsanya via zoom. The constitutional validity of virtual hearing was addressed in two Supreme Court Rulings: “Attorney General of Lagos State v Attorney General of the Federation & The National Assembly” where Lagos State Government filed a suit to inquire whether virtual hearing commenced in Lagos High Court or any other court is constitutional because Section 36 (1), (3), and (4) of the constitution requires that proceedings should be held in public. Also, in “Attorney General of Ekiti State v Attorney General of the Federation & 2 others,” the state filed to the Supreme Court regarding the same matter. The ruling delivered by Hon. Justice Rhodes-Vivour JSC on 14th July 2020, the Supreme Court characterized both suit as speculative and premature until there is an infringement by virtual hearing. The court ruled that virtual hearings are not unconstitutional.” 

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Courtroom technology assists litigants to get justice by making sure that it is efficient, transparent, and accessible and the evidence is clear to all parties. Some of the purpose and importance of courtroom technology are;

 It increases efficiency: Technology in the courtroom enables case management and online filing of cases. Lawyers have access to records, case schedules, and documents remotely, which reduces reliance on physical files and saves time. The use of this technology prevents loss of documents, making sure that the records are accurate so that the court can perform more efficiently and handle cases faster and effectively. It reduces delays and costs.

It enhances transparency and accountability: the courtroom has infused virtual recording into the justice system, and cases can now be tracked which increases public trust. This technology in the courtroom allows lawyers to track the progress of the cases, to reduce secrecy, and ensure that the process is visible to the public. Virtual records, make sure that there is no manipulation of the document, minimize errors, and hold court personnel accountable.

 It improves access to justice: Technology helps people reach the court easily. Access to justice in Nigeria often faces a lot of challenges, such as the high cost of litigation and exclusion from court processes. Courtroom technology makes the courtroom accessible to the litigants through an online filing system, a case management system, and virtual hearings. This reduces time barriers to claimants enabling more people to take part in the legal process. These digital tools ensure that justice is timely, inclusive, and reachable to all. Individuals with disabilities now have translators in the courtroom to aid the court processes. 

Improved Dispute Resolution: Online mediation and negotiation reduces cost for parties involved in disputes. There are new apps and chatbots which have been developed to give legal advice and guidance to people that need them.

Legal research and access to judicial precedent: Lawyers, Judges, and law students gain access to legal knowledge from digital sites such as Legalpedia, Law Pavilion and Primsol, which serve as legal database containing case law, statutes, and summary of legal matters. These sites facilitate a good legal research work, it contribute to more informed and timely judicial decision-making and enhance students’ knowledge.

Role in Improving Accuracy, Speed and Access to Justice

Digital tools such as speech-to-text processors and court recording systems reduce errors in transcription and evidence. This reduces inefficiencies and integrity issues which the court faces.

Also, most countries are now using electronic filing, case management systems, and virtual platforms for their courtrooms. The court also has remote hearings via Zoom. AI tools, such as JudiAI aids judges in research and organization and reduces delays.”

Furthermore, people who live in rural areas, individuals with disabilities and people who face travel costs, virtual hearings help this set of individuals enabling them to participate in the legal process without compromising their presence. In Nigeria, these tools promote timely justice for people with disabilities.

Electronic filing: Electronic filing is a process of submitting documents digitally to the court. Individuals who are given access to use this digital tool are; lawyers, litigants and court personnel. They file their cases with login credentials online where the fees are auto calculated. E-filing system is used to replace the paper based system, which is very stressful and most times leads to loss of documents. 

Benefits of E Filing

It ensures that users are aware of the date of their hearings and the status of their case.

It ensures that all the required documents are submitted in the correct format and on time which reduces errors in the filing and managing of cases.

Lawyers submit filings to the court directly online through secure digital platform.

It protects sensitive information of the users by creating encryption and securing the people that have access to it.

Challenges of E-Filing System

Not all lawyers are familiar with or have access to the technology required for e-filing.

E-filing risk disruption from server crash, connectivity issues or software bugs which can lead to delays and prevent filings from going through successfully.

Security and privacy risks: Even though it is secured, the increase use heightens concerns about the protection of confidential data.

The cost of implementation.

Certain jurisdictions may not yet have recognize e-filing as legally valid and there may be dispute about the admissibility of electronic evidence.

Multimedia evidence presentation

Multimedia evidence presentation tools are those digital technologies that are used in the courtroom to display evidence or exhibits to the Judge, Jury, and Counsel clearly. These tools improves clarity, it reduces confusion and make trials more engaging. Some of these tools are;

Large screens and monitors, Projectors, and document camera. They are mostly useful in cases with large volumes of documents, and all these details are examined by everyone in the courtroom. These tools help the court to evaluate evidence more and transform how evidence is being presented and examined.

Remote Appearance and Protection of Individuals with Disabilities

Digital platforms such as Zoom or Skype provide virtual meeting spaces where multiple individuals can see and speak to each other. The judge and litigants can communicate virtually from different locations. This was really helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when there was a lockdown. When the court wants to use video conferenced proceedings, the court has to make sure that all participants have access to an Internet connection, a computing device, and technical support. 

Due to the fact that remote court appearances are done online, they require cyber security measures. It is important to take note that if you want to use a video conference for a court proceeding you have to make sure that there is no interference, theft of data, malfunction, or any form of Cyber Attack. The public can access the court by live streaming proceedings or the court make audiovisual recording of its proceedings which can be posted online for public viewing.

The Benefit of Remote Proceedings

It saves cost: This reduces the workload of the court and reduces cost burden through the use of hybrid or fully virtual proceedings.

It helps Rural Litigants

It provides greater comfort: Individuals involved in a case, feel safer and at ease when they discuss sensitive matters without physical proximity to the accused, the crowds that are in the courtroom, or an unfamiliar environment.

Protection of Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals who are considered to be vulnerable are; children, individuals with mental disorders, victims of severe trauma such as; sexual assault, domestic abuse human trafficking, and rape.

It helps individuals with hearing disabilities: Technological devices, such as speech to text apps allows individuals, there is also a sign language interpreter which allows individuals with hearing impairment to follow the proceedings accurately.

It assist individuals with visual impairment: We have technological devices that helps visually impaired individual such as; reading software like JAWS read digital documents audibly which helps the individuals to know what is going on in court proceedings and also to navigate the electronic filing and presentation of evidence. We also have Braille or audio formats which make visual evidence accessible. These technological devices convert paper-based processes into a more compatible electronic process.

Challenges of Using Technology in the Courtroom

Technical issues and need for trained personnel:

Technology has brought remarkable progress to judicial processes but its effectiveness depends largely on technical reliability and the competence of it users. Many courts, particularly in jurisdiction that are undergoing development face unstable internet connection interrupts proceedings and delays case which reduces the efficiency that technology is meant to enhance. 

Another major problem lie in the technological proficiency of lawyers and court officials who are unfamiliar with digital tools may find it difficult to make use of an electronic filing systems, video conference platforms, or digital tools that deals with presentation of evidence. Judicial institutions should invest in workshops and certifications that will provide technological literacy among court personnel. It is only when users have a training and technical support can the judiciary fully benefits from the use of these technologies.

Security and Protection of Data: Digital systems store large volumes of confidential information, which includes witness statements, evidence, and judgment, which are vulnerable to cyber Attack or unauthorized disclosure. A single breach of these data can compromise an ongoing case which exposes the witnesses to danger or even damage the public trust in the judiciary. To reduce the effect of this risk the court must adopt cyber security measure such as data encryption, secure login protocols, two factor authentication, and other security measures available. Furthermore, the courts must comply with data protection laws such as a Nigerian data Protection Act 2023, which is vital to ensure that litigant information is handled responsibly. The court can put courtroom technology into use if only it does not look at its efficiency but also the confidentiality it guarantees which is the moral and technical duty of the justice system.

Cost and Funding: The integration of technology into the judicial system demands large financial investments because the courts have to purchase high-speed Internet, video conferencing tools, maintain secure server, set up expenses, software license system, upgrades, data storage and other things. If a well-planned approach is put in place technology will not become a privilege of only a few courts, but a standard practice across all levels of the judicial system.

CONCLUSION

Courtroom technology is an important aspect of modern legal practice. It improves efficiency, organization, and communication in court proceedings. As court continues to evolve, technology serves as a tool that strengthens, rather than weaken the delivery of justice.

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Vanguard, “Lagos Virtual Court Session: Court sentences driver to death by hanging over a murder of his Employer’s mother”(4^th May 2020) https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/lagos-virtual-court-session-court-sentences-driver-to-death-by-hanging-over-murder-of-employer’s-mother. Accessed 17^th July 2026.
2. H C Black, Black’s Law Dictionary (2^nd edn, West Publishing 1910)
3. Courtroom Technology, The Legal Tech Guide (online) https;//thelegaltechguide.com/courtroom technology. Accessed 18 July 2026
4. Strengthening justice delivery in Nigeria through technology: A call for Court Digitalization. https://ppdc.org accessed on 17^th of July 2026.
5. McCorkle Litigation Services, ‘The History and Evolution of Court Reporting’ (n.d) https://www.mcdeps.com accessed on 18^th of July 2026
6. Evidence Act 2011, S 84 ss(2(a-d), 3, 4).
7. Article 13, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
8. Evidence Act 2023, s 109 & 110
9. Ibrahim Sule, Femi Olorunyomi, Joseph Ajah, and Adama Usman,’Virtual Court Proceedings in Nigeria: Some Legal Matters Arising’ (2024) 3(3) European Journal of Law and Political Science https://doi.org/10.24018/ejpolitics.2024.3.3.91 accessed 20 July 2026.
10. ibid
11. Abubakar, M.D. (2018). Impact of technology on the law and court process. Paper presentation at a refresher workshop for judges and kadis, National Judicial Institute.
12. Https://blogsworldbank.org and Manasseh A.D. (2025) Strengthening Justice Delivery in Nigeria through Technology: A call for Court Digitalization. https://ppdc.org. accessed on 16^th of July 2026.
13. Marco Velicogna, ‘Justice Systems and ICT: What can be learned from Europe? (2021). Accessed on 19 of July 2026.
14. Videoconferencing companies provide specifications for the level of internet speed and bandwidth needed to properly use their services. Zoom suggested requirements can be found in; https://support.com/he/en/article?id=zm kb&sysparm article=KB0060748.
15. Fredric I Lederer, ‘The Evolving Technology-Augmented Courtroom Before, During, and After the Pandemic’ (2021), Faculty Publications https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/2022 accessed 20th July 2026
16. Challenges Affecting the Use of Technology in Nigeria’s Courts’ (2024) African Journal of Social and Management Studies.

[1] Vanguard, “Lagos Virtual Court Session: Court sentences driver to death by hanging over a murder of his Employer’s mother”(4^th May 2020)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/lagos-virtual-court-session-court-sentences-driver-to-death-by-hanging-over-murder-of-employer’s-mother. Accessed 17^th July 2026.

[2] H C Black, Black’s Law Dictionary (2^nd edn, West Publishing 1910)

[3] Courtroom Technology, The Legal Tech Guide (online) https;//thelegaltechguide.com/courtroom technology. Accessed 18 July 2026.

[4] Strengthening justice delivery in Nigeria through technology: A call for Court Digitalization. https://ppdc.org accessed on 17^th of July 2026.

[5] McCorkle Litigation Services, ‘The History and Evolution of Court Reporting’ (n.d) https://www.mcdeps.com accessed on 18^th of July 2026

[6] Evidence Act 2011, S 84 ss(2(a-d), 3, 4).

[7] Article 13, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

[8] Evidence Act 2023, s 109 & 110

[9] SC/CV/260/2020

[10] SC/CV/261/2020

[11] Ibrahim Sule, Femi Olorunyomi, Joseph Ajah, and Adama Usman,’Virtual Court Proceedings in Nigeria: Some Legal Matters Arising’ (2024) 3(3) European Journal of Law and Political Science https://doi.org/10.24018/ejpolitics.2024.3.3.91  accessed 20 July 2026.

[12] ibid

[13] Abubakar, M.D. (2018). Impact of technology on the law and court process. Paper presentation at a refresher workshop for judges and kadis, National Judicial Institute.

[14]   Https://blogsworldbank.org and Manasseh A.D. (2025) Strengthening Justice Delivery in Nigeria through Technology: A call for Court Digitalization. https://ppdc.org. accessed on 16^th of July 2026.

[15] Marco Velicogna, ‘Justice Systems and ICT: What can be learned from Europe? (2021). Accessed on 19 of July 2026.

[16] Videoconferencing companies provide specifications for the level of internet speed and bandwidth needed to properly use their services. Zoom suggested requirements can be found in; https://support.com/he/en/article?id=zm kb&sysparm article=KB0060748.

Fredric I Lederer, ‘The Evolving Technology-Augmented Courtroom Before, During, and After the Pandemic’ (2021), Faculty Publications https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/2022 accessed 20th July 2026

[17] Challenges Affecting the Use of Technology in Nigeria’s Courts’ (2024) African Journal of Social and Management Studies.