Bozimo spoke at the opening of the seventh Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecoms organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in conjunction with the NJC.
She stated that while the telecoms sector has grown with over 150miilion active mobile lines, allegations of fraudulent deductions from customers’ accounts, unsolicited messages and others have become a great concern in the industry.
According to her, another issue that is plaguing the country is the scourge of kidnapping which she said is on the rise, adding that security agencies have to struggle to identify devices and location of kidnappers and their victims.
“The Boko Haram terrorists use mobile lines to coordinate their terror activities. These, among other challenges, may require data and information generated from telecoms services (providers) to serve as evidence in the course of prosecution of related cases. Thus, the need for continuing education of judges in respect of the operations of the telecoms industry is essentially necessary in order to enable them make better informed decisions,” Justice Bozimo said.
In his key note address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said the NCC has advanced the use of information communications technology (ICT) for different aspects of national development.
Represented by Hon Justice Walter Ononghen (Justice of the Supreme Court), the CJN said: “With these new technologies and services, traditional business models and concept of regulation are now being challenged. In this context, policymakers, regulators and courts face significant challenges as the telecoms industry is growing fast into the more complex areas and form.”
“The judiciary, as an arbiter cannot be left behind the times. We are currently undergoing various technological reformations and an ethical resurgence that is repositioning the third arm of government for better justice delivery.”
He said in keeping with best practices and the demands of a technology age, judges must possess a sound knowledge of the law and procedures while becoming proficient in the use of ICT to expedite justice delivery.
