Legal Reliability of AI-Generated Evidence in Criminal Justice Systems in Nigeria

Abstract

The integration of AI in criminal investigations has revolutionised the collection, analysis, and prosecution of criminal cases in contemporary criminal justice systems. The use of AI-generated evidence, which includes facial recognition technology, predictions, digital forensics, and automated surveillance evidence among others, holds a great deal of promise in enhancing criminal investigations in Nigeria. However, concerns about algorithmic biases, lack of transparency, authentication, admissibility, and constitutional violations raise questions about its legal reliability. This study investigates the legal reliability of AI-generated evidence in Nigeria's criminal justice system through the adequacy of the current laws and institutions responsible for determining its legal validity. The study employs the doctrinal approach, making use of legal statutes, court judgments, policy papers, and other scholarly material in analyzing the issue. The findings show that even though Nigeria has some legal provisions on electronic evidence, it lacks comprehensive legislation to address issues related to AI-generated evidence, causing inconsistency in judicial application and accountability. It is the conclusion of the study that legislative changes are needed to develop the criteria for AI transparency, authentication, expert validation, and judicial oversight.