Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called upon judges to enhance their understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and emerging digital systems to more effectively combat modern financial crimes.
Delivering his remarks at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)–National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Nigeria, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the rapidly evolving landscape of corruption and the necessity for the justice system to adapt.
As reported by local media, President Tinubu explained that judges can only deliver fair judgments in cryptocurrency fraud cases if they possess a fundamental understanding of how digital currencies operate. He posed the question, "How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters?"
The Imperative of Continuous Learning for the Judiciary in the Digital Age
According to a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, President Tinubu stressed that judges must continuously acquire new knowledge to remain relevant in the current era.
"Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age," he stated. The President also exhorted judicial officers to uphold their integrity and independence, cautioning that any compromise within the justice system erodes the nation's moral foundation. He further assured that the government is committed to improving the welfare of judges and strengthening the independence of the judiciary.
President Tinubu also addressed the issue of delays in corruption trials, noting public dissatisfaction with the slow pace of judgments in significant cases compared to the swifter resolution of smaller cybercrime cases. He asserted that the judiciary must adopt new technologies to expedite justice and enhance its effectiveness. "Your vantage position on the Bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption," he warned. "There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges. A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right."