The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, has called on legal practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving technologies or risk being rendered obsolete in the rapidly changing legal landscape.
Speaking at the NBA Conference in Lagos, Aliyu underscored the growing impact of AI on the legal profession, noting that “in this era of AI, if you are not tech savvy, you will be left behind.”
He emphasised the need for lawyers to self-regulate the use of AI and other digital tools to avoid harmful practices and external regulatory interference. “The regulation of technology and artificial intelligence in our practice is now prevalent. If we fail to self-regulate, external forces will do it for us,” he cautioned.
Aliyu explained that while technology has the power to enhance legal research, streamline case management, and improve access to justice, it also comes with risks of data misuse, ethical violations, and uneven power dynamics — all of which require proactive legal oversight.
The ICPC chairman’s remarks came alongside broader reflections on the legal profession’s role in promoting integrity and combating corruption. Referencing the Supreme Court’s decision in AG Ondo vs. AG Federation, he criticised lawyers who challenge ICPC’s jurisdiction despite a clear judicial ruling, describing such actions as unethical and a drain on national resources.
The session also highlighted the commission’s core functions — including investigation, prevention, public education, and system reforms — and urged the legal community to support national accountability efforts actively.
Present at the event was the ICPC Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr. Alex Chukwurah (FSI), who joined other dignitaries in championing tech innovation and integrity in the legal space.
