By: Audrey Raymonda John
Dr. Philip John Kanu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Milton Magai University in Goderich, has dragged his lecturer, Tejan Sheik Rogers, to court over allegations of cyberbullying on social media.
Rogers made his second appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, March 17, 2025. He was arraigned on a charge of cyberstalking, contrary to Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2001.
According to the indictment, Rogers, between November 1 and 30, 2022, in Freetown, used his WhatsApp number to create and post recorded audio and text messages in a WhatsApp group called “Maada Must Stay Campaign.” The messages allegedly amounted to cyberstalking and defamation of the Vice Chancellor’s character.
Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull led the case by presenting evidence from witness Bockarie Aiah Sillah, a lecturer at Milton Magai University. Sillah testified that he knew both the complainant, Professor Philip John Kanu, and the accused, Rogers, as colleagues. He explained that on November 1, 2022, Rogers began sending audio messages accusing Dr. Kanu of financial corruption and administrative mismanagement at the university. Rogers also allegedly made accusations of sexual harassment in the audio messages.
Sillah said he tried to engage Rogers in conversation, but Rogers continued sending the audio messages through the WhatsApp group “SLPP Milton Magai Technical University Branch.” Sillah expressed that he felt disturbed by the content of the messages, as he had a close professional relationship with Dr. Kanu. Sillah further testified that he made statements to the Adonkia Police Station and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the incident.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Zacharia Kanu questioned Sillah’s role at the university and his relationship with Rogers and Dr. Kanu. Sillah confirmed that he had no personal grievances against Rogers and had never published false information about him. He also acknowledged that he was part of the WhatsApp group where the audio messages were shared but denied publishing the voice notes. He stated that Rogers had admitted to creating and sharing the messages and later apologized for his actions.
The defense attempted to introduce a document from the WhatsApp group, but prosecutor Bull objected, citing that the document was not an original copy and its source was unknown. Magistrate Bangura ruled in favor of the objection.
Sillah further explained that the audio messages accused Dr. Kanu of corruption, mismanagement, and lacking an O’Level qualification. He acknowledged the possibility of voice note manipulation but reiterated that Rogers had admitted to publishing the audio messages.
The defense requested an adjournment to continue cross-examining the witness, and the matter was adjourned to March 24, 2025. Rogers remains on bail as the case continues.