Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court Number 2 in Freetown, Tuesday 1st July 2025, committed the cyberbullying case involving Mr. Sheku Tejan Rogers against the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University, Professor Philip John Kanu, to the High Court.
Magistrate John Manso Fornah recalled that for most of the time the matter was held behind closed doors, asserting that the prosecution adduced enough evidence connecting the accused to the offences charged.
The court was informed that on diverse dates between 18th November 2022 and 30th November 2022 in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the accused through social media postings and recordings, videos and text messages, sent electronic messages to damage the character and hard-earned reputation of the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University, Professor Philip John Kanu.
The magistrate furthered that after thorough examination of the evidences before the court (the Preliminary Investigations (PI), he is committing the matter to the High Court, quoting the relevant sections which states that if one recklessly or intentionally posts such messages to an individual for the purposes of causing danger, hatred or ill will, commits an offence.
He furthered that the accused can be fined Le30,00 new Leones or not more than Le50, 00 new Leones or two years’ imprisonment or both or Le100, 000 new Leones but not more than Le200, 000 new Leones or both.
The magistrate also recalled that during the PI, the accused denied the allegations, and when asked on 1st July 2025 if he wanted to make any voluntary caution statement or wish to add to the statement he had earlier made to the police or give evidence in the High Court and call witnesses, the accused declined due to security reasons.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Joan Bull represented the Inspector General of Police while Z.A. Campbell and D. Gbla represented the accused, with the latter objecting to the media covering and publishing the proceedings to avoid misrepresentation of misinterpretation.
However, this such was objected to by Assistant Superintendent of Police Joan Bull who assured that the media would accurately report the facts.
Magistrate Fornah also cautioned the media to report the facts accurately.
According to the magistrate, the bail conditions remain the same.
