Met Black Police Association chair facing sack over ‘racist WhatsApps’, force says

The chair of the Metropolitan Police Black Police Association is facing the sack after allegedly sending and receiving “misogynistic, racist and violent” WhatsApp messages.

Inspector Charles Ehikioya is accused over “inappropriate” texts between 2017 and 2020, the force said.

Ehikioya, based in the professionalism command, could be dismissed without notice if his behaviour is found proven at a gross misconduct hearing starting on January 6.

The initial decision to charge him in February triggered an immediate backlash with calls for new ethnic minority recruits to boycott the Met until they can be “adequately protected”.

Ehikioya’s supporters claim he was targeted during a probe into two officers dismissed for sending discriminatory messages on social media, including some making fun of Katie Price ’s disabled son, Harvey.

One of them made a reference to “cotton picking”, a slur aimed at the inspector.

But the Met BPA allege instead of treating Ehikioya as a victim, there was “a deliberate and concerted effort to find dubious evidence” against him.

A notice for the five-day south London hearing published on Monday reads: “Inspector Ehikioya is alleged to have participated in a WhatsApp chat with a police constable in which there was exchange of messages and media items.

“During the WhatsApp chat it is alleged that he sent or received messages alleged to be inappropriate.

“The alleged messages and media are said to be misogynistic, racist, violent and otherwise inappropriate.”

Ehikioya is accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of equality and diversity, discreditable conduct and failing to challenge or report improper acts.

The officer, who has previously voiced concerns about racism within the ranks and senior leaders, is on restricted duties. He denies the claims.

On Monday Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association , called the allegations against Ehikioya “dubious”, adding on X, formerly Twitter, his case will expose “corruption at play within the misconduct system”.

Commander Colin Wingrove said at the time: “We are a determined to build a Met that truly listens to and reflects the many communities it serves.

“There is no place for racism. Discrimination in all its forms must be challenged by every Met officer and member of staff.

“It is not appropriate to discuss the details of a forthcoming misconduct process which must take place without interference.”

Mr George said in February: “The timing of this complaint leads me to believe that there is a desire to remove any dissenting voices from public discourse.

“I recommend that anyone from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds do not join the Met until there is more rigorous accountability placed on the commissioner.”

The Met BPA previously called for a boycott by the black and Asian community in 2008 when then Commander Ali Dizaei was suspended over allegations of misconduct. In 2012, Dizaei was jailed for perverting the course of justice by using his position to frame an innocent man.

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