Met Police Inspector Faces Dismissal Over Shocking WhatsApp Scandal
Inspector Charles Ehikioya, head of the Metropolitan Police Black Police Association (Met BPA), is on the brink of being sacked. The Met has confirmed he’s accused of sending and receiving “misogynistic, racist, and violent” WhatsApp messages between 2017 and 2020.
A gross misconduct hearing is set for January 6. If found guilty, Ehikioya could be dismissed without notice. The scandal has rocked the force and sparked major backlash.
WhatsApp Messages Spark Outrage and Calls for Boycott
The allegations have driven calls for ethnic minority recruits to boycott the Met until they feel “adequately protected.” Supporters insist Ehikioya is a victim of a targeted probe, linked to two officers already dismissed for sharing discriminatory messages online.
“One of these messages included a racial slur aimed at Ehikioya,” Met BPA states.
The Met BPA claims there was a deliberate effort to dig up questionable evidence against Ehikioya instead of treating him as a victim.
5-Day Gross Misconduct Hearing to Expose WhatsApp Chat
Held in south London, the upcoming hearing will focus on Ehikioya’s alleged participation in a WhatsApp conversation with a police constable. Messages and media exchanged are described as misogynistic, racist, and inappropriate.
Ehikioya, who has spoken out about racism in the Met, denies the claims. He currently works on restricted duties and faces charges of breaching professional standards, including equality and diversity rules, discreditable conduct, and failure to report misconduct.
Top Figures Question Integrity of Investigation
Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, blasted the charges as “dubious.” He argues the case exposes corruption in the police misconduct system and suggests the timing is aimed at silencing critics.
“We urge ethnic minority recruits to think twice before joining the Met until serious accountability steps are taken,” George said.
Commander Colin Wingrove reinforced the Met’s commitment to rooting out racism:
“There is no place for racism in the Met. Discrimination must be challenged by every officer and staff member.”
Echoes of 2008 Boycott and Continuing Debate on Racism
This case echoes the 2008 Met BPA boycott after Commander Ali Dizaei’s suspension over misconduct charges. Dizaei was later jailed in 2012 for perverting the course of justice.
Inspector Ehikioya’s January hearing could prove pivotal in the battle over racism and reform in the Met Police.
