CJN alerts judges to cyber attack risks
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judicial officials against the risks associated with data breaches, cyber threats, and online systems as they embrace digitalisation.
The CJN sounded the caution on Monday 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 workshop had the theme “The Digital Evolution of Judicial Systems: Technology, Access and Efficiency.”
Represented by the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Garba, the CJN emphasised that as the judiciary handles cases, files, personal information, and classified government data, it remains a prime target for cyber attacks.
She stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of court records and cautioned that any compromise could have far-reaching legal and national security implications.
She said: “Thus, a strong cybersecurity framework must be implemented to safeguard judicial data from unauthorised access, hacking, and corruption.
“Judicial ICT staff must be trained in cybersecurity best practices, encryption technologies, and secure data storage solutions.”
The CJN went on to commend the National Judicial Council for taking proactive steps to ensure the judiciary keeps pace with technological advancement.
“One such innovation is the Judiciary Information Technology Policy, which has provided a framework for the deployment and utilisation of ICT in courts,” she said.
In his welcome address, the institute’s Secretary, Mr Olumoh Abdulazeez, told participants that the annual workshop was designed to equip court personnel with the necessary skills to keep up with technological advancements.
Olumoh, who also represented the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Garba, added, “Effective technology implementation can significantly improve access to justice and reduce barriers to entry for litigants.”
