AI: Muslim Lawyers Urge Caution, Canvas Regulatory Safeguards

The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has warned that adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria must be pursued with caution, regulatory safeguards, and ethical considerations to prevent harmful consequences.

MULAN issued the warning in a 17-point communique issued at the end of its 16th annual general conference, which was held in Ilorin, Kwara State, between May 15th and 18th, 2025.

The body in the communique signed by its secretary general, Dr Akinwale Akinlabi, however, agreed that „AI holds significant value for the legal profession, particularly in legal research and case management, but it must not replace human reasoning and adjudication.“

It said the Bar and the Bench should embrace AI as a complementary tool, not a substitute for judicial reasoning or human discretion.

MULAN stressed the need for lawyers to pursue continuous personal development and invest in modern technology to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global legal environment.

It added:“ AI’s use in legal practice should be carefully managed to avoid professional, ethical, or legal pitfalls. As AI reshapes the legal landscape, Nigerian lawyers must evolve and not be replaced by AI. The lawyer of the future must be tech-literate and savvy in leveraging AI for efficiency by adapting to hybrid roles of law and technology, while upholding human values as he applies the rules of ethics.

„Government at all levels should initiate legislative reforms and invest in AI infrastructure to align Nigeria with global technological trends.

„The religion of Islam permits the use of AI, provided such use does not contravene Sharia principles. AI tools in Muslim homes must be regulated within Islamic boundaries.

„Hard work, integrity, and strategic positioning remain indispensable for Muslim lawyers who must not only work hard but also work smart, maintaining unwavering integrity, and

position themselves intentionally for opportunities and trusting in Allah’s divine plan.

„ Muslim lawyers are encouraged to embrace collaborative legal practice and mentorship as the era of one-man law firms is becoming outdated. The importance of teamwork, partnerships, and intergenerational mentoring within the legal profession to improve client service, sustainability, and professional development cannot be overemphasised.

„The application of Islamic personal law is constitutionally protected in Nigeria. Muslims are entitled to resolve personal matters in line with their religious beliefs.

„MULAN affirms the commendable work of Sharia Panels in South West Nigeria, but notes their legal limitations. These panels function as arbitral bodies without the authority of formal courts, and currently lack an appellate structure.

„In light of the significant Muslim population in South West Nigeria, MULAN urges state governments in the geopolitical zone to enact appropriate legislative and administrative reforms to establish Sharia Courts of competent jurisdiction, including Sharia Courts of Appeal, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

MULAN reaffirms its commitment to promoting justice, upholding Islamic values, and engaging.“