A WhatsApp scandal is threatening the career of Inspector Charles Ehikioya, the head of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association (MBPA), following accusations that he participated in a group chat riddled with racist, sexist, and homophobic content. The allegations, if proven, could cost him his job and further tarnish the Met’s reputation.
A Troubling Catalogue of Content
Between 2017 and 2020, over 7,000 messages were shared in the group chat, where Inspector Ehikioya and former officer Carlo Francisco allegedly exchanged highly inappropriate content. The messages included:
- Racist Mockery: Videos and jokes mocking Chinese people and the origins of Covid.
- Sexist Jokes: One example was an edited Back to the Future poster reading, “Back to the Kitchen,” accompanied by a comment dismissing International Women’s Day.
- Offensive Humour: Graphic videos and crude jokes, including one about a man being late home from the pub and a reference to a “Taliban call girl.”
Inspector Ehikioya is also accused of failing to report the group’s activity, which James Berry, representing the Met Police, described as “disgraceful.”
Specific Allegations Against Ehikioya
One of the standout allegations involves a video posted by Ehikioya himself. It featured a female police officer from another country, captioned with a comment about how the Met doesn’t employ women like her. In another instance, he allegedly shared a video of a preacher making a homophobic rant.
The content became so egregious that, in April 2019, Ehikioya reportedly told Francisco to stop sharing “silly porns” and warned him about potential consequences. However, Francisco brushed this off, replying with an “April Fool” joke.
Defence and Denial
Inspector Ehikioya denies all allegations, insisting he neither sent nor received the offensive content. His defence team claims the messages were not his, and any involvement has been misconstrued. Despite this, his current duties have been restricted as the misconduct hearing continues.
Past Scandals Cast a Long Shadow
This latest revelation adds to a string of controversies within the Met. Just recently, former officer Carlo Francisco was found guilty of gross misconduct over separate offensive messages, including comments about Harvey Price, the son of Katie Price, who has disabilities. The Met apologised to Price and her family for the incident.
What’s at Stake?
If found guilty, Ehikioya could face dismissal, sending another shockwave through the Met, which has struggled to rebuild public trust after repeated scandals. Advocacy groups have criticised the force for failing to root out toxic behaviour, while campaigners are demanding stricter measures to address racism, sexism, and homophobia within its ranks.
Calls for Change
As the hearing unfolds, experts are urging organisations to address inappropriate behaviour more proactively. “Every allegation must be treated seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a stalking and personal safety charity. “Employers must establish robust reporting systems and take swift action to prevent harassment and inappropriate behaviour.”
The Met’s internal policies and approach to officer accountability are likely to face further scrutiny, with the public eagerly awaiting the outcome of the hearing, set to conclude on 10 January.
