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Abstract
This study critically examines the adoption of virtual court proceedings in Nigeria, focusing on their impact on the justice delivery system and the persistent issue of prison congestion. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual court proceedings emerged as a transformative response to judicial delays and infrastructural challenges. While Lagos State pioneered the implementation of virtual hearings, this study extends its scope to assess the broader national implications across different jurisdictions in Nigeria. It investigates whether the use of virtual platforms such as video conferencing and electronic filing has enhanced the speed, efficiency, and accessibility of criminal trials, particularly pre-trial remand cases, which are central to prison overpopulation in Nigeria. The study adopts the doctrinal research approach, combining an analysis of statutes, case law, policy documents, and judicial reports and secondary data from court and correctional institutions. It engages with legal theories such as Access to Justice, Legal Realism, and Procedural Justice to frame its findings within a strong theoretical context. Additionally, it explores comparative practices in countries like Kenya, India, and the United Kingdom to draw lessons relevant to Nigeria’s evolving judicial landscape. Ultimately, this study finds that virtual court proceedings offer a viable pathway to reducing case backlogs and pre-trial detention durations, thereby contributing to prison decongestion. However, it also identifies substantial limitations including technological disparities, constitutional concerns, and resistance from key stakeholders. The study concludes with practical recommendations on policy, legal reforms, and infrastructural investments needed to sustain virtual justice delivery and ensure equitable access to justice in Nigeria.
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