Nigerian Lawyers Call for AI Regulation Amid Deepfake and Plagiarism Risks

TL;DR: Nigerian legal professionals warned that unchecked AI could fuel deepfakes and plagiarism, urging swift regulation while acknowledging the technology’s benefits.

The Lex Ferenda Conference 2026 convened at the University of Lagos on Wednesday, gathering judges, scholars, and practitioners to discuss the digital future of law. Organized by the Lawrit Journal of Law and the Justice Oputa Student Chambers, the event highlighted both the promise and peril of artificial intelligence in legal work.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyetola Atoyebi opened the keynote by stating that AI has become unavoidable in modern practice. He emphasized that existing statutes already contain safeguards, but new legislation is needed to address deepfakes, plagiarism and other ethical breaches. "We have no choice; we must use AI, but we must do so cautiously," he said through his representative.

Partner Olumide Osundolire of Banwo & Ighodalo underscored AI’s role in breaking geographic barriers. He noted that Nigerian law students can now collaborate with institutions such as Oxford and Harvard without leaving Lagos, reducing research cycles from weeks to days. The speed gains, he argued, expand access to global scholarship.

Senior Associate Daniel Igiekhumhe of Babalakin & Co warned against the misconception that AI could replace lawyers. He cited a two‑year rise in AI‑legal overlap and called for regulation to prevent the public from assuming AI is a qualified legal practitioner.

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 service provision to bar‑called individuals. He described AI as “useful but unreliable” without human verification, noting instances of inaccurate AI‑generated briefs.

Lawrit Journal founder Joel Oloye explained that the conference aimed to bridge theory and practice in the digital age. He referenced recent court rejections of AI‑drafted documents and judges flagging poorly written AI briefs, reinforcing the need for regulatory dialogue.

Chairperson Adeyanju Ayomikun summed up the consensus: AI will coexist with lawyers, enhancing efficiency but never substituting courtroom representation. The day concluded with a panel discussion, networking, and the launch of the book *Mastering Legal Research and Writing*.

What it means: The legal community in Nigeria is moving toward formal AI oversight, balancing innovation with protection against misinformation and unauthorized practice. Watch for legislative proposals and professional guidelines emerging later this year.