Metropolitan Black Police Association Head Faces Dismissal Over Alleged ‘Racist’ WhatsApp Messages
The head of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association, Inspector Charles Ehikioya, faces possible dismissal following accusations of sending ‘misogynistic, racist, violent, and inappropriate’ WhatsApp messages over a three-year period.
Ehikioya, a 26-year veteran of the force, has been placed under investigation for alleged misconduct between 2017 and 2020. If proven, the claims could lead to his dismissal without notice at an upcoming gross misconduct hearing. The accusations come despite Ehikioya’s previous allegations of racial harassment within the force, including an incident where two white officers stopped him while driving home from work.
The charges have sparked significant controversy. The case, which began in February, led to calls for ethnic minority recruits to boycott the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) until proper protections are in place. Supporters of Ehikioya claim he is being targeted due to his involvement in a separate investigation into officers dismissed for discriminatory remarks on social media. One of those officers allegedly directed a racial slur at Ehikioya.
The Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA), which Ehikioya heads, was founded in 1994 to address the underrepresentation of Black and Asian officers within the MPS. Today, it represents the growing number of ethnic minority officers in the force, advocating for greater diversity and accountability.
Ehikioya denies the allegations and has been placed on restricted duties while awaiting a five-day misconduct hearing scheduled for January 6. The hearing will examine the WhatsApp messages he allegedly exchanged with another officer, which reportedly violate the force’s Standards of Professional Behaviour regarding equality, diversity, and discreditable conduct.
Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, has criticized the case, suggesting it reflects deeper corruption within the misconduct system. He urged ethnic minorities to reconsider joining the Met until greater accountability measures are in place.
The Metropolitan Police has reiterated its commitment to tackling racism within its ranks. Commander Colin Wingrove stated, “There is no place for racism. Discrimination in all its forms must be challenged by every Met officer and member of staff.”
In a previous incident, Ehikioya lodged a complaint of racial harassment after being stopped by white officers in 2020, claiming they targeted him “for no other reason than being a Black man.” Scotland Yard found no evidence of misconduct following a review of bodycam footage from the stop.
The hearing’s outcome could significantly impact the ongoing efforts to address racial issues within the Met, an institution that has faced repeated allegations of racism and discrimination.
Tags: Metropolitan Police, Black Police Association, Charles Ehikioya, WhatsApp misconduct, racial harassment, police racism, Met misconduct hearing, ethnic minority officers, diversity in policing, Andy George.
Source: Daily Mail
