Nigerian Bar Calls for AI Regulation Amid Deepfake and Plagiarism Risks

TL;DR: Nigerian lawyers demand clear rules for artificial intelligence use after warning that deepfakes, plagiarism and misinformation could undermine the legal system.

Context The Lex Ferenda Conference 2026 convened at the University of Lagos on Wednesday, gathering judges, scholars and practitioners to discuss “The Future of Legal Scholarship in the Digital Age.” Organized by the Lawrit Journal of Law and the Justice Oputa Student Chambers, the event highlighted the rapid integration of AI tools into legal work.

Key Facts Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyetola Atoyebi opened the keynote, acknowledging that AI is now unavoidable in practice but insisting on caution. He argued that existing digital safeguards can protect against deepfakes, plagiarism and other ethical breaches, and called for legislation to formalize those safeguards.

Partner Olumide Osundolire of Banwo & Ighodalo emphasized AI’s speed advantage, noting that tasks once taking a month can now be completed in less than a day. He said digital tools erase geographic barriers, allowing Nigerian scholars to contribute to journals at Oxford, Harvard and Berkeley.

Senior Associate Daniel Igiekhumhe of Babalakin & Co warned that AI’s growing overlap with legal work should not be mistaken for replacement. He stressed regulation to prevent the public from assuming AI can act as a lawyer.

Partner Joshua Abe, co‑founder of Abe & Asote Law Firm, echoed the caution, pointing to Section 4 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which limits legal services to bar‑called individuals. He described AI as useful but unreliable without human verification.

Lawrit Journal founder Joel Oloye highlighted recent court incidents where AI‑generated briefs were rejected, underscoring the need for oversight. Chairperson Adeyanju Ayomikun added that AI will remain a support tool, not a courtroom representative.

The conference also launched the book *Mastering Legal Research and Writing* and featured panels on AI ethics, digital evidence and future regulatory frameworks.

What It Means The consensus among Nigeria’s legal elite is clear: AI can boost efficiency and broaden access, but without statutory limits it threatens professional standards and the integrity of evidence. Upcoming legislative sessions will likely address AI verification protocols, liability for deepfake misuse and the definition of “legal service” in a digital context. Stakeholders should watch for draft bills and judicial rulings that could set precedents for AI governance across Africa.