CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN THE USE OF ELECTRONICALLY GENERATED EVIDENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The evidential status and use of a computer and other electronically generated documents have raised controversial issues in the law courts. This research examines the contemporary issues in the use of electronically generated evidence in Nigerian courts. The study was set out to discover the relevance of electronically generated evidence. It also examines the contemporary issues and challenges in the use of electronically generated evidence in Nigeria, in view of the Evidence Act of 2011. The study shows that the Evidence Act guaranteeing admissibility of electronic evidence is a step in the right direction.The research showed that there are certain conditions that must be met before electronic evidence is admissible. However, it was shown that there are challenges to the admissibility of electronic generated evidence in Nigeria. The problem of authenticity, integrity and confidentiality, are not insurmountable and the courts will be able to deal with them as they are raised. Electronic evidence is susceptible to all kinds of modification, distortions, processing errors, and contamination. It was therefore recommended that Nigerian Prosecutors, Judges and Lawyers must acquire and develop necessary skills to be able to deal effectively with the problems that may arise in the admissibility of computer generated evidence, such as a thorough check for the authenticity of the evidence provided electronically. �

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urn:uuid:1bd368e5-1108-48ba-bbb2-f665e46d0236