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Dr. Philip John Kanu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai University Goderich, has taken legal action against lecturer Tejan Sheik Rogers, accusing him of cyberbullying through social media. Rogers appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Rogers faces a charge of cyber stalking, contrary to Section 11(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2001. The prosecution alleges that between November 1 and 30, 2022, Rogers used his WhatsApp account to post recorded audio and text messages on a group called “Manda Must Stay Campaign,” which allegedly damaged the Vice Chancellor’s character.
During the court proceedings, prosecution witness Bockarie Aiah Sillah, a fellow lecturer at Milton Margai University, testified that he witnessed Rogers posting accusatory audio messages about Dr. Kanu. Sillah stated that Rogers alleged financial corruption and administrative misconduct by the Vice Chancellor in a WhatsApp group called “SLPP Milton Margai Technical University Branch.”
Sillah testified that he initially attempted to resolve the issue with Rogers privately but that the accused persisted in sending the messages, which also included allegations of sexual harassment. Sillah further stated that he and another lecturer filed complaints against Rogers at the Adonkia Police Station and later at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel Zacharia Kanu, Sillah confirmed that he was Senior Deputy Registrar during the period in question. He also acknowledged that Rogers and Dr. Kanu had previously maintained a good relationship. Sillah admitted there was no concrete evidence before the court directly linking Rogers to the publication of the voice notes.
Defense counsel Kanu attempted to introduce WhatsApp group conversations as evidence, but the prosecution objected, citing concerns about the document’s originality and source. The magistrate upheld the objection.
Sillah further stated that the complaints against Rogers were not made at the Vice Chancellor’s instruction. He testified that the audio messages accused Dr. Kanu of corruption, injustice, and lacking an O’Level qualification.
Sillah also discussed the possibility of audio manipulation, but maintained that Rogers had admitted to creating and publishing the messages and had apologized.
Defense counsel Kanu requested an adjournment to continue cross-examination. Magistrate Bangura granted the request, adjourning the case to March 24, 2025. Rogers remains on bail.
