MMTU Principal & Chancellor Testifies in Cyber Bullying Matter

 Prof. Philip John Kanu, MMTU Principal & Chancellor

By Musa Yayou

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Professor Phillip John Kanu, testified before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No. 2 on Pademba Road in the ongoing matter involving one of his lecturers, Tejan Sheik Rogers (the accused).

The accused, Tejan Sheik Rogers, appeared before the court on a count of cyber stalking and bullying, which is contrary to Section 44 (2) (b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2001. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) alleged that between November 1 and 31, 2022, in Freetown, the accused used his WhatsApp number with the title "Tejan Rogers of MMTU" to create and post audio recordings and text messages in a WhatsApp group called "Maada Must Stay Campaign." These messages were intended to damage the character of Professor Phillip John Kanu.

Led in evidence by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Juan M. S. Bull, prosecution witness (PW)1, Professor Philip John Kanu, who also serves as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), recognized the accused as a staff member of the institution.

Professor Kanu outlined his role and responsibilities, including overseeing the university's activities, providing leadership, and serving as the Chief Administrator of the institution. He recounted an incident of sexual harassment by certain lecturers, terminated by the university between November 1 and 31, 2022. Following this incident, audio recordings circulated on social media in a WhatsApp group named "Maada Must Stay Campaign."

Professor Kanu, being part of the group, discovered that these recordings attacked his personality and other authorities in the university, tarnishing and destroying the university's image. One of the audio recordings alleged that he and the Exams Officers were falsifying grades and collecting money from lecturers for computer classes.

Upon hearing this message, Professor Kanu attempted to reach out to the accused through his brother, Amara Rogers, to persuade him to stop. The accused and his brother visited him several times, during which Professor Kanu asked if he had done something to provoke such actions. The accused denied any wrongdoing, and Professor Kanu admonished him to cease damaging his reputation, with a warning of reporting him to the nearest police station if he persisted.

PW1 informed the bench that he had copies of all the audio messages posted by the accused. At this stage, the police prosecutor requested a short adjournment date, which was granted, and the accused was put on bail.

The matter will resume on February 6, 2024, for further examination in chief. Chief Police (CSP) Madam Joan Bull is prosecuting the case.