The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says digital fraud, misinformation and privacy breaches are increasing pressure on courts.
Kekere-Ekun spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications.
She was represented by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
She said courts increasingly handled disputes involving online harassment, cyber fraud and misuse of digital platforms.
According to her, such cases require careful balancing of constitutional rights, public safety and regulatory enforcement.
Kekere-Ekun said rapid advances in digital technology had transformed governance, commerce, education and financial transactions.
She noted that digital expansion had also created complex questions around accountability, compliance and regulation.
The chief justice said telecommunications infrastructure now underpins economic activity, governance systems and financial services across Nigeria.
She warned that disruptions to connectivity could undermine national stability and weaken institutional efficiency.
Kekere-Ekun said cyber threats, vandalism and unlawful interference with telecom infrastructure were straining legal and regulatory systems.
She said Nigeria’s digital ecosystem was becoming increasingly complex and demanded stronger judicial understanding.
“Courts can no longer remain detached from technological developments.
“Judicial officers must understand emerging digital realities shaping disputes,” she said.
Kekere-Ekun said courts now interpret laws on digital communications, cyber accountability, online conduct and infrastructure protection.
She stressed the importance of legal precision, consistency and informed judicial reasoning.
She noted that countries including India, South Africa and the United Kingdom were shaping digital regulation through judicial decisions.
She also referenced the European Union as a major influence in global digital governance.
According to her, Nigeria’s rapid digital growth makes judicial preparedness increasingly essential.
Kekere-Ekun said courts would continue facing technology-driven disputes requiring stronger technical and legal expertise.
She said judicial decisions in telecommunications law must guide regulators in exercising statutory powers.
According to her, such alignment strengthens legal certainty and institutional stability across governance systems.
Kekere-Ekun said stronger cooperation between courts and regulators would reduce conflict and improve public confidence.
She described collaboration between the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Communications Commission as vital.
Earlier, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator, National Judicial Institute, said digital connectivity now drives economic growth and social development.
Adejumo said courts increasingly faced cyber risks, surveillance concerns, identity theft and cyberstalking.
He also warned about infrastructure vandalism affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.