Report on the 2nd Regional Conference on the Administration of Criminal Justice Held 22th October, 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel

Report on the 2nd Regional Conference on the Administration of Criminal Justice

Held 22th October, 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel

Opening:

The 2nd Regional Conference on the Administration of Criminal Justice, organized by the Juritrust Centre for Socio-Legal Research and Documentation, was held from October 21 to 23, 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Themed “Leveraging Technology in the Criminal Justice System,” the conference attracted participants from Uganda, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, South Africa and the host country Nigeria, including Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN: Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice who was ably represented, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Amina Augie JSC (rtd), Dr. Kole Shettima: Executive Director MacArthur Foundation, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah Chief Judge of Borno State among others dignitaries.

Conference Highlights:

The conference featured a diverse range of paper presentations from leading scholars and practitioners in the field. Notable among the speakers was Prof. Victor Adetula, who addressed “Effective Control of Election-Related Crimes in a Digital Age.” Other presenters explored critical topics, including digital forensics in the detection and investigation of transnational organized crime, and the potentials and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in crime detection and investigation within Nigeria.

Visiting scholars from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, contributed valuable insights on the application of Routine Theory in cybercrime, the implications of virtual hearings, and leveraging technology for evidence collection.

Key Takeaways: 

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the recognition of technology and AI as indispensable tools in modernizing the administration of criminal justice. Presenters emphasized that while these technologies offer significant benefits, careful consideration is needed to ensure they do not compromise fundamental human values. Prof. E. Alemilka, a Professor of Criminology, succinctly articulated this balance, highlighting the need to integrate technology in a manner that preserves our humanity.

Conclusion: 

The 2nd Regional Conference on the Administration of Criminal Justice provided a platform for crucial discussions on the intersection of technology and justice. As participants reflected on the implications of technological advancements, the consensus emerged that a thoughtful and balanced approach is essential for fostering an effective and humane criminal justice system. The insights gained from this conference are expected to guide future initiatives in the region

Written by:

Isah Ibn-Mohammed

Research Fellow

Centre for Media, Policy and Accountability (CMPA), Abuja.