Cyberbullying: Milton Margai Lecturer Committed to High Court

Tejan Rogers, a lecturer at Milton Margai College, Goderich Campus, has been committed to the High Court for further trial in connection with an alleged cyberbullying incident involving Dr. Philip John Kanu, the Vice Chancellor of the Milton Margai Technical University.

Rogers was referred to the High Court by Magistrate John Manson Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was arraigned on two counts of cyberstalking and cyberbullying, contrary to Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2001.

The charge sheet alleges that, on various dates between November 1 and November 30, 2022, in Freetown, Rogers utilized social media, specifically a WhatsApp group identified as "Maada Must Stay Campaign," to disseminate stalker-like, bullying recordings, audio messages, and texts via computer systems. These messages were purportedly directed against Dr. Kanu and are alleged to have damaged his character and reputation.

Furthermore, the charge states that Rogers posted false bullying recordings and texts within the aforementioned WhatsApp group, which could have engendered apprehension, provoked unrest, and breached the peace.

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor, ACP Joan Bull, informed the magistrate that the prosecution had concluded its case. Defense Counsel Zacharias Kanu made an application requesting a media blackout on the matter, asserting that his predecessor, who was previously handling the case, was doing so privately in his chambers to avoid media coverage.

In response, State Counsel ACP J. Bull clarified that the prosecution does not oppose media reporting of the proceedings. Magistrate Fornah admonished the media to report accurately and faithfully on the court proceedings.

In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that he was satisfied that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted that the testimonies of witnesses were consistent and corroborated each other. Accordingly, he committed Tejan Rogers to the High Court for further trial, referencing Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Crime Act of 2001. The accused remains on bail.