Tejan Rogers, a lecturer at Milton Margai College, Goderich Campus, has been formally committed to the High Court for trial following allegations of cyberbullying against the Vice Chancellor of Milton Margai Technical University, Dr. Philip John Kanu.
The decision was handed down on Tuesday, July 1, by Magistrate John Manson Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, after Rogers was charged with two counts of cyberstalking and cyberbullying under Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2001.
According to the charge sheet, between November 1 and November 30, 2022, Rogers allegedly used a WhatsApp group named “Maada Must Stay Campaign” to share a series of recordings, audio messages, and text posts that targeted Dr. Kanu.
The content, reportedly disseminated using a computer system, is said to have tarnished the Vice Chancellor’s reputation and instilled fear and unrest among members of the group.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull, asserted that the materials posted by Rogers were not only false but also damaging, potentially inciting public disorder and breaching the peace.
During proceedings, Rogers’ lawyer, Zacharias Kanu, filed a motion requesting a media blackout, arguing that the matter had previously been handled discreetly by the former defense counsel. However, ACP Bull responded that the prosecution had no objection to media coverage. Magistrate Fornah emphasized the importance of accurate and responsible reporting on the matter.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was consistent and credible, noting that witness testimonies reinforced each other. Satisfied that a prima facie case had been established, he committed the accused to the High Court for continuation of the trial. Rogers remains on bail pending further proceedings.
