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Looking at Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan in retrospect, as he stood before the gathering of his learned colleagues, delivering the keynote address at the recent Maiduguri/Biu branches’ 2025 Law Week, his person did not show anything more striking than any of the lawyers in attendance.
In his legal profession, the barely 50-year-old eminent Maiduguri lawyer, is an advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, carrying the rare pride and privilege of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) suffix in his name.
In politics, he is a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, a member of the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament, crafting the most-relevant laws for the progress and prosperity of the world’s most-populous black nation and Africa’s leading economy.
By these enviable heights in the Nigerian society, he is, if one may borrow John Paden’s description of independent Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a “Right Honourable Gentleman.”
By the ‘Right Honourable,’ Kaka Shehu is a learned gentleman, a front-row one at that, being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Little wonder then, that he possesses an immense knowledge and experience in both his fort, the legal profession with all the complexities of its principles and practice; and politics and public service, where he is carving a soaring niche as a proud Nigerian of repute.
Tradition meets transformation, and where technology is fast growing
Kaka Shehu was keynote speaker during the Nigerian Bar Association, Maiduguri/Biu branches of the 2025 Law Week and commended NBA for selecting a profoundly relevant and timely theme: ‘Diffusion of Technology in the Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Professionalism and Technical Know-How.’
He saluted the leadership of the branch for its resilience, foresight, and commitment to professional development in the legal community, even in the face of prevailing challenges.
He said: “The choice of this year’s theme, ‘Diffusion of Technology in the Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Professionalism and Technical Know-how,’ could not be more timely or appropriate. We are witnessing a paradigm shift in the legal profession, creating an equilibrium where tradition meets transformation, and where technology is fast becoming the bridge between efficiency and justice.
He appreciated both the policy and practical dimensions of this theme. “No doubt, we are at a critical juncture in our nation’s legal evolution, where technology is no longer a luxury, but an imperative for justice delivery, professional efficiency, and institutional relevance.”
According to him, “As a former Attorney General of Borno State and now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have had the privilege of observing first-hand the evolution of legal institutions. I am particularly encouraged by the topical issues lined up for discussion during this Law Week, as each touches on a critical area where reform and innovation are both urgent and necessary.”
Why lawyer must embrace evolution of technology
Kaka Shehu said that the legal profession, often characterized by its conservatism and tradition, now finds itself at a crossroads, as it is now compelled to navigate a landscape that is being dramatically reshaped by the diffusion of digital technologies.
“As courtrooms are evolving, filing processes are going paperless while legal research is moving to the cloud. Hearings are being conducted via Zoom, and legal arguments are now supported by digital evidence, artificial intelligence, and blockchain verification.
“We are witnessing a digital revolution in justice administration, one that demands not only the upgrading of infrastructure but the retooling of legal minds. As we deliberate on this timely theme, a pertinent question we must ask is: ‘Are we prepared for the future that is already upon us?’ This question is about being prepared technically, ethically, and institutionally?” He queried.
He explained that the keynote address aims to unpack the many layers of this question. It will examine the nature and trajectory of technological integration in Nigeria’s justice system; explore the role of legal professionals and institutions in facilitating or resisting this change; and propose pathways for sustainable, inclusive, and professionally responsible digital transformation.
Conceptualising diffusion of technology
The term “diffusion of technology” goes beyond the mere introduction or availability of new tools or digital platforms within an organisation or sector. It refers to the systematic spread, adoption, and internalisation of technology across institutions, processes, and personnel—so that technology not only becomes embedded in routine operations but also transforms the culture, structure, and outcomes of service delivery.
This concept originates from innovation theory, where diffusion is described as the process by which an innovation, be it an idea, practice, or product, spreads within a social system over time. When applied to justice administration, diffusion of technology entails the penetration of digital innovations into the judicial and legal ecosystem, with the ultimate aim of improving efficiency, access, accuracy, transparency, and public trust in the rule of law.
He pointed out core dimensions of technology diffusion including adoption, which is the initial decision to introduce a technological solution, such as an e-filing system, virtual hearing platform, or digital registry; adaptation, which is the modification of legal procedures, institutional protocols, and workflows to accommodate the new technology; internalisation, which is the point at which technology is no longer seen as a novelty but as a normal part of professional life; Institutionalisation, which is the stage where digital systems are fully integrated into legal norms, judicial policy, and statutory instruments; and impact realisation, which entails the measurable outcomes of technological diffusion, such as reduced case backlog, faster trial times, increased access to courts, enhanced record accuracy, and reduced corruption.
Nigeria’s Journey so far
In the last decade, Nigeria has taken tentative but commendable steps toward embracing technology in justice administration. Prominent among the steps are the adoption of e-filing systems in federal courts and some state judiciaries; the introduction of virtual court sittings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; digitalisation of court registers and cause lists; use of email and web portals for service of court processes; and roll-out of video conferencing equipment in select high courts, among others.
“These innovations promise speed, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and wider access to the courts. However, they remain uneven, fragile, and in many cases symbolic, coming with challenges of infrastructure, uneven implementation across jurisdictions, and limited digital literacy among legal practitioners and court staff.
“There is no national digital justice blueprint that is binding on all courts. There are no constitutional or statutory amendments to legitimise full digital hearings. And most importantly, the human element, the judges, lawyers, registrars, and court clerks, are often unprepared for the shift. This brings us to a central question: What does it mean to professionally and ethically navigate this digital transition?
“It is essential that the legal community, especially in regions like the North-East, be supported with training, resources, and enabling laws to fully embrace these tools. As a legislator, we will remain committed to advocating for increased budgetary allocation and policy support to ensure uniform adoption nationwide.
“While digital reforms such as e-filing, virtual hearings, and electronic case management are being introduced in some jurisdictions, many of the intended users lack the requisite skills to operate these systems effectively,” he said.
He also pointed out that this gap is most evident in the uneven digital literacy across the profession.
“A large number of lawyers, especially those outside major urban centres, are unfamiliar with basic ICT tools and platforms. Judges and magistrates who were trained in pre-digital eras may struggle with virtual court proceedings or electronic document review. Court registrars, bailiffs, and administrative staff often have minimal exposure to digital workflows, resulting in low adoption rates and operational inefficiencies.
“Additionally, many law firms, particularly small or solo practices, lack the resources to invest in technology or to train their personnel. This not only slows down the digital transition but also deepens inequality in legal service delivery, as only a few are able to keep pace with technological innovations. Bridging this gap requires deliberate and sustained efforts, including nationwide ICT training for legal professionals, institutional partnerships for digital upskilling, and integration of technology in legal education curricula,” he said.
Insecurity, damage of infrastructure pose a challenge
In regions affected by conflict or insecurity, such as parts of the North-East, physical infrastructure may be damaged or entirely absent, making digital innovation difficult to implement or sustain.
These limitations not only hinder the adoption of virtual court hearings, e-filing systems, and electronic case management tools but also contribute to inefficiencies, delays, and growing disparities in access to justice. Without investment in infrastructure, efforts to digitise court processes will remain isolated and unsustainable.
He maintained that overcoming this challenge requires coordinated efforts from government, development partners, and the private sector to invest in justice sector infrastructure, ensuring that digital reforms are not only introduced but adequately supported and scaled across jurisdictions.
He noted that the legal practitioners play dual roles: as defenders of rights, and as gatekeepers against abuse of the legal system.
He added that the intersection between anti-money laundering frameworks and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) raises important questions about confidentiality, due diligence, client verification, and ethical responsibility.
“We must have the courage to confront these issues head-on and strike the delicate balance between upholding justice and preserving professional integrity.”
He challenged that as the justice system becomes increasingly digitised, legal practitioners must be adaptive, proactive, and technically competent. Beyond legal knowledge, lawyers today must possess the digital fluency to navigate electronic court systems, manage virtual hearings, and engage in tech-based advocacy.
“The Bar must take the lead in upskilling its members, mentoring young lawyers, and collaborating with institutions to build a tech-savvy legal workforce. The future of the profession depends not only on what we know, but also on how we apply that knowledge in a digital age.
“The rise of social media has undoubtedly transformed public engagement, legal commentary, and access to information. Lawyers now use platforms to educate the public, promote legal awareness, and even mobilise around public interest issues. Yet, we must also be mindful of the ethical boundaries, misinformation risks, and the potential erosion of courtroom decorum that social media can cause,” he said.
According to him, “A lawyer’s conduct online is just as subject to professional scrutiny as his or her behaviour in court. Therefore, a clear framework for responsible digital engagement is necessary to preserve the dignity of our noble profession.
Understanding the appellate process is fundamental to the pursuit of justice.”
He also pointed out that the Court of Appeal stands as a critical bastion for the correction of errors, interpretation of laws, and consolidation of jurisprudence.
“A proper grasp of appellate practice and procedure, including timelines, filing protocols, and jurisdictional nuances, is essential for every legal practitioner, especially in this era of electronic filing and virtual sittings.
“As digital reforms reshape court operations, lawyers must ensure strict compliance with procedural rules while leveraging technology to advance justice delivery
“I salute the resilience of the NBA Maiduguri/Biu Branches in promoting legal excellence amidst daunting challenges. Your dedication reflects the enduring spirit of Borno State (resilient, visionary, and progressive),” he said.
He concluded by returning to the core idea that underpins the Law Week: That technology must serve justice, and not the other way around.
“We must understand that the future of our legal profession depends not just on what we know, but on how we use what we know, in a world where digital fluency is a prerequisite for relevance.
“To the judiciary, I urge: Lead boldly.
To the Bar, I say: Train relentlessly.
To policymakers: Legislate with foresight.To younger lawyers: Innovate ethically.To all of us: Embrace the future because it is already here,” he concluded.
