By Emma Black

Dr. Philip John Kanu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai Technical University, is locked in a courtroom clash with one of his lecturers, Tejan Sheik Rogers, accused of unleashing a torrent of cyberbullying against him. Rogers faces a single count of cyberstalking under Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2001, a charge that could tarnish his career and test the limits of digital accountability.

Police allege that between November 1 and 31, 2022, Rogers weaponized his WhatsApp account in Freetown, posting audio recordings and text messages targeting Dr. Kanu in a group named Maada Must Stay Campaign.The barrage, prosecutors claim, was designed to harass and defame the Vice Chancellor, leveraging a computer system to smear his reputation.

Rogers appeared before the court as the matter surfaced, standing firm as the prosecution, led by CSP Joan Bull, wrapped its case. Defense counsel Tejan Barrie promptly requested a brief adjournment to prepare their response a plea granted by the presiding magistrate. The stage is now set for Rogers to open his defense on March 14, 2025.

What began as a university power dynamic has spilled into the legal arena, pitting a prominent academic leader against his subordinate in a digital-age duel. For Dr. Kanu, it’s a fight to shield his name; for Rogers, a chance to counter claims that could brand him a cyberbully. As the courtroom drama unfolds, it underscores a growing challenge in Sierra Leone: policing the line between free speech and online malice.