The recommendations were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the eighth Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2026. Organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the NJI, the three-day workshop focused on “Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes in a Digital Age.” It brought together judicial officers, investigators and prosecutors to examine challenges facing the justice system as financial crimes increasingly involve digital technology and virtual assets.

Participants recommended the designation of specialised judges and court personnel to handle corruption cases, alongside targeted training to improve their understanding of complex financial investigations and ensure more consistent application of existing laws.

They also called for a review of relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act where necessary, stressing that efforts to accelerate trials must not undermine defendants’ rights or the fairness of court proceedings.

The communiqué emphasised the need to balance the protection of individual rights with the timely administration of justice, warning that an effective criminal justice system must uphold fairness while preventing avoidable delays.

Stronger Evidence and Improved Investigation Standards

Participants urged investigative and prosecutorial agencies to strengthen their evidence-handling procedures, including digital records management, to ensure that cases presented in court are supported by credible, reliable and admissible evidence.

They also recommended wider use of video recording and coordinated procedures when obtaining confessional statements from suspects. According to the communiqué, such measures would help protect suspects’ rights and strengthen the integrity of investigations.

The workshop further recognised non-conviction-based asset forfeiture as a tool for recovering suspected proceeds of crime. However, participants stressed that its application must comply with existing laws, human rights standards and appropriate institutional oversight.

They also called for procedural reforms to address the time limits associated with freezing assets suspected to be linked to financial crimes.

Guidelines Proposed for Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary

With artificial intelligence increasingly influencing investigations and legal processes, participants recommended that relevant ministries, departments and agencies work with the National Assembly and the judiciary to develop guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the administration of justice.

The proposed guidelines would provide a framework for adopting emerging technologies while addressing accountability, reliability and other legal considerations.

Participants also urged judicial officers and anti-corruption agencies to familiarise themselves with legislation governing virtual assets and related financial activities. The laws and instruments identified in the communiqué included the Investment and Securities Act 2025, the Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination 2026, the Rules on Digital and Virtual Assets Operations 2026 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022.

They called for greater investment in digital forensic laboratories, modern technology infrastructure and specialised training for investigators, prosecutors and members of the Bench.

The communiqué also highlighted the importance of open-source intelligence in investigations, recommending that it primarily be used to generate investigative leads and support corroboration. Evidence relied upon in court, participants stressed, must still satisfy the applicable rules of evidence.

Specialised Training and Greater Institutional Cooperation

To strengthen judicial capacity, participants proposed that the NJI, working with the National Judicial Council, develop accredited certificate and diploma programmes for judges and other relevant stakeholders.

They argued that continuous professional development was necessary to keep judicial officers and anti-corruption personnel equipped to handle changing patterns of financial crime and emerging investigative technologies.

The communiqué also called for sustained cooperation among the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other institutions involved in criminal justice administration. Better coordination and information sharing, participants said, would help stakeholders respond more effectively to new methods of committing and concealing financial crimes.

Heads of courts were also encouraged to use lessons from the workshop to develop policies and clarify courtroom procedures involving technical and digital evidence.

The workshop examined several subjects, including the admissibility of confessional statements, garnishee proceedings, alleged abuse of court processes, asset forfeiture, artificial intelligence in investigations, the management and recovery of virtual assets, and digital forensics.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, was among those acknowledged by participants for supporting the workshop.

The recommendations come amid continuing calls for faster resolution of corruption cases in Nigeria. Their implementation would require action from relevant judicial institutions, anti-corruption agencies and, where legislative amendments are necessary, the National Assembly.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia