The chair of the Met Black Police Association is facing gross misconduct proceedings after allegedly sending and receiving inappropriate WhatsApp messages.
But the decision to charge Inspector Charles Ehikioya triggered an immediate backlash with calls for new ethnic minority recruits to boycott the force until they can be “adequately protected”.
Ehikioya, based in the professionalism command, could be dismissed without notice if his behaviour alleged between 2017 and 2020 is found proven.
A three-year investigation was carried out by officers from Scotland Yard’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
Ehikioya’s supporters claim was targeted during the probe into two officers sacked for sending discriminatory messages in a WhatsApp group, 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.
Ehikioya, who has previously voiced concerns about racism within the ranks and senior leaders, is on restricted duties meaning he cannot represent staff or attend meetings with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime. He denies the claims.
Metropolitan Police Commander Colin Wingrove said on Monday: “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.”
However, Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, said: “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.”
Baroness Lousie Casey’s scathing review of the Met after a series of scandals found it was institutionally racist, misogynist and homophobic, something the force denies.
Casey had concluded “allegations against officers and staff of colour might follow when they raise their head above the parapet to call out poor behaviour”, adding: “This is a pattern embedded across Met culture: speaking out often results in adverse consequences for the complainant.”
Retired superintendent Leroy Logan, one Ehikioya’s predecessors, said: “I myself was targeted as chair of the Met BPA so it comes as no surprise to me that they have decided to target the current chair.”
Mina Smallman, the mother of two murdered sisters whose bodies were photographed by police officers guarding the scene in Wembley, added: “I am dismayed that rather than work with the association, the Met is now targeting the chair of the Met BPA.”
The Met BPA last 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.
A police spokesman said: “An inspector will face a gross misconduct hearing following allegations inappropriate WhatsApp messages were sent and received between 2017 and 2020.
“The allegations were reported in December 2020.
“This followed a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who passed the matter back to the Met to investigate locally.
“A date for the hearing will be set in due course.”
