Justice is poised to undergo a transformative evolution with the introduction of legal AI, Podus, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) legal platform designed to aid indigent Nigerians. This cutting-edge technology signifies a significant advancement in Nigeria’s justice system.
To enhance easy access to justice for Nigerians through technology, a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to social justice and legal advocacy, Citizens’ Gavel launched the AI platform in an event tagged, “AI For Justice: Highlighting the innovative use of AI in the legal sector and Its potential to revolutionize access to Justice”.
During the event, Oluwafemi Ajibade, a Lagos-based lawyer and the Operations Head of Citizen Gavel, highlighted the purpose behind the legal AI, emphasizing its role in enhancing access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
The platform is meticulously crafted to assist in resolving a spectrum of legal issues faced by those in need. Citizen Gavel’s commitment to leveraging technology to better the legal landscape underscores the potential positive impact on the broader community.
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What Does The Creation Of Legal AI Mean For The Justice System In Nigeria?
The Non-Goverment Organization elaborated on the capabilities of the Podus AI, illustrating its focus on prioritizing urgent cases, such as instances of police extortion, brutality, violations of fundamental rights, illegal arrests, and unlawful detentions.
By targeting these critical issues, the platform aims to address situations that directly impinge upon ordinary Nigerians’ freedom and fundamental human rights.
Through its specialized training and algorithms, Podus AI offers a tailored approach to identifying and resolving pressing legal matters, thereby contributing to the protection and empowerment of individuals within Nigerian society.
Oluwadamilare Ayankoya, the Tech Lead of Citizens’ Gavel, provided insights into Podus, emphasizing its overarching goal of addressing the disparity in legal access for the less privileged.
The platform operates as a strategic intermediary, connecting individuals in need with legal professionals who can effectively guide them through the pursuit of justice.
By leveraging technology, Podus aims to empower marginalized individuals by facilitating their engagement with the legal system, ensuring they receive the support and representation necessary to navigate complex legal matters.
This innovative approach aligns with the broader mission of enhancing inclusivity and fairness within the Nigerian legal landscape.
Ayankoya stated,
“So, we have built the platform to help connect them with lawyers who assist in getting justice for them.”
He emphasized that Podus plays a pivotal role not only in connecting individuals with legal professionals but also in disseminating legal knowledge, offering valuable advice, and providing essential legal resources, including the drafting of letters.
This multifaceted approach aims to empower users by equipping them with the information and tools needed to navigate legal challenges effectively.
Speaking at the same event, Femi Ajibade, a seasoned lawyer and esteemed member of the NGO, highlighted the profound significance of Podus in simplifying access to justice, transcending the limitations of conventional virtual chat boxes.
He elaborated on how Podus serves as a pioneering platform, leveraging cutting-edge technology to revolutionize legal assistance and advocacy.
Ajibade emphasized that Podus goes beyond mere digital interactions, fostering meaningful engagement and providing tailored support to individuals seeking legal recourse.
In his words, “We are not just creating a virtual chat box, but we are creating something that can help the vulnerable, the least people, and we are going to use existing tools like WhatsApp.”
Nelson Olanipekun, serving as the Team Lead of Citizens’ Gavel, underscored the platform’s transformative potential in equipping Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the intricate legal terrain with confidence.
Podus stands out in its commitment to enhancing the efficiency of legal processes, empowering individuals to adeptly draft meticulously crafted petitions or letters for lodging complaints against injustices.
Olanipekun stressed the transformative role of AI integration, streamlining these processes and enabling users to access diverse complaint centres such as the Human Rights Commission, Ombudsman, and States’ Mediation Centers with greater ease.
The incorporation of legal AI represents a noteworthy advancement in Nigeria’s justice system, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.
