A Metropolitan Police inspector has been dismissed for sending racist messages in a WhatsApp group, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
London: A Metropolitan Police inspector has been sacked for gross misconduct after sending racist and inappropriate messages in a WhatsApp group. Inspector Charles Ehikioya was found to have exchanged over 7,000 messages that included jokes and images mocking various groups, including Chinese people.
The misconduct hearing revealed that he was in a chat with a former officer, Carlo Francisco, where these messages were shared. Ehikioya claimed the allegations were fabricated due to his race and position, but the panel found his defense lacking.
One of the messages included a crude joke about Hugh Hefner, while others made fun of serious issues, like a child’s nudity and a tragic car crash involving the Duke of Edinburgh. The panel, led by Commander Jason Prins, stated that his behavior was intentional and went against the values of the police force.
After considering the evidence, the panel decided that his actions warranted immediate dismissal. They emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable in a modern police service.
Interestingly, Francisco was also found guilty of misconduct in a separate incident involving racist comments about Ehikioya. This highlights a troubling culture within parts of the force that needs addressing.
Ehikioya, who has dedicated his career to fighting racism, expressed his disappointment and plans to challenge the dismissal. He feels this decision is a personal attack after years of service.
In a related incident, he previously reported being racially harassed by colleagues during a traffic stop, but no action was taken against those officers. This ongoing situation raises serious questions about accountability and the treatment of officers within the force.
