Inspector Charles Ehikioya, the chair of the Metropolitan Police Black Police Association (Met BPA), is facing dismissal following allegations of sending and receiving “misogynistic, racist, and violent” WhatsApp messages, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
Ehikioya, who serves in the professionalism command, has been accused of sending and receiving “inappropriate” messages between 2017 and 2020. A gross misconduct hearing is set to take place from January 6, which could lead to his dismissal without notice if the allegations are proven.
The accusations against Ehikioya have sparked significant backlash, with calls for ethnic minority recruits to boycott the Met until they are “adequately protected.” Supporters of Ehikioya claim he was unfairly targeted during an investigation involving two officers who were dismissed for sending discriminatory messages on social media. One of these messages included a racial slur aimed at Ehikioya.
The Met BPA alleges that rather than treating Ehikioya as a victim, a deliberate effort was made to find dubious evidence against him. The upcoming misconduct hearing, set to last five days in south London, will focus on the allegations that Ehikioya participated in a WhatsApp chat with a police constable, exchanging messages and media that are claimed to be misogynistic, racist, and otherwise inappropriate.
Inspector Ehikioya, who has been vocal in the past about the challenges of racism within the force, denies the claims and remains on restricted duties. He has been accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour, including equality and diversity, discreditable conduct, and failing to report improper acts.
Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, has publicly called the allegations “dubious” and suggested that the case will reveal corruption within the misconduct system. George added that the timing of the complaint appears to be an attempt to silence dissenting voices, urging ethnic minority individuals not to join the Met until greater accountability is enforced.
Commander Colin Wingrove of the Metropolitan Police stated, “We are determined to build a Met that truly listens to and reflects the many communities it serves. There is no place for racism, and discrimination in all its forms must be challenged by every Met officer and member of staff.
This case is reminiscent of the 2008 boycott called by the Met BPA after then-Commander Ali Dizaei was suspended over allegations of misconduct. Dizaei was later jailed in 2012 for perverting the course of justice.
Inspector Ehikioya’s hearing will begin in January, and its outcome could have significant implications for the ongoing discussion around racism and accountability within the police force.
