Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, has cautioned judicial officials to be vigilant against data breaches, cyber threats and vulnerabilities in online systems as the judiciary continues to adopt digital technology.
Kekere-Ekun gave the caution while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2025 National Workshop on Information and Communication Technology, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.
The CJN represented by Salisu Garba, administrator, National Judicial Institute, emphasised that, as the judiciary handles cases, files, personal information, and classified government data, it remains a prime target for cyber attacks.
She underscored the need to safeguard the integrity of court records, warning that any breach could carry serious legal consequences and pose risks to national security.
She said, “Thus, a strong cybersecurity framework must be implemented to safeguard judicial data from unauthorised access, hacking, and corruption.”
The CJN emphasised the need for judicial ICT personnel to receive proper training in cybersecurity best practices, encryption methods, and secure data management.
She commended the National Judicial Council for its proactive efforts in modernising the judiciary, noting that the Judiciary Information Technology Policy stands out as a key initiative, offering a clear framework for the effective deployment and use of ICT in court operations.
In his welcome address, Olumoh Abdulazeez, Institute’s Secretary, emphasised that the annual workshop was aimed at equipping court personnel with the skills needed to keep pace with technological advancements.
“The effective integration of technology can greatly enhance access to justice and lower the barriers for litigants.'”
