By: Audrey Raymonda John
Tejan Rogers, a lecturer at the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, Goderich Campus, has been committed to the High Court for trial in an alleged cyberbullying case involving his boss, Dr. Philip John Kanu, the Chancellor of the institution.
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Magistrate John Manson Fornah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 ruled that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case at the High Court.
Rogers was charged with two counts: cyberstalking and cyberbullying, contrary to Section 44(2)(b) of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2001.
According to the charge sheet, between November 1 and November 30, 2022, in Freetown, Rogers allegedly used a WhatsApp group named “Maada Must Stay Campaign” to post and circulate audio recordings and text messages targeting Dr. Kanu. These messages were allegedly false, defamatory, and intended to cause harm to Dr. Kanu’s reputation and provoke public apprehension.
The prosecution further alleges that Rogers used computer systems and social media to stalk and bully Dr. Kanu in a manner that could incite a breach of the peace and damage his character.
After the matter was mentioned, lead prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case.
Defense counsel Zacharias Kanu then applied for restrictions on media coverage of the case, noting that the previous magistrate had conducted the proceedings in chambers to avoid press attention. However, ACP Bull stated that the prosecution had no objection to media coverage.
Magistrate Fornah advised the media to report accurately on the court proceedings.
In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that he was satisfied the prosecution had presented enough evidence to support the charges, noting that the witness testimonies were corroborated. He therefore committed Tejan Rogers to the High Court for further trial under Section 44(2)(b) of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2001.