Black Met police inspector says he's a victim of racial profiling after white officers stopped car

Inspector Charles Ehikioya said it was an "abuse of power"
Inspector Charles Ehikioya recorded the incident, which happened as he drove home from work in Croydon
Charles Ehikioya

A black Met police officer has complained of racial profiling after two white colleagues stopped his car.

Inspector Charles Ehikioya, 55, recorded the incident, which happened as he drove home from work in Croydon.

He told the BBC it showed an “abuse of power” and was speaking out in solidarity with the black community after recent cases of MP Dawn Butler and Team GB athlete Bianca Williams, who were both stopped in their cars by police.

Scotland Yard said in a statement a review “found no evidence of misconduct” on May 23.

Mr Ehikioya has now decided to sue the force for alleged racial harassment, saying he had “no choice” because his complaint was not taken seriously.

One of the officers said Mr Ehikioya, who claims he was followed for two miles, had been stopped in his Toyota iQ due to his speed and because “it looked like he had gone through a red light”.

He was asked for his driving licence, proof that he was insured, that the vehicle had not been stolen and that he was not intoxicated or using his phone.

Inspector Ehikioya has served with the Met for more than two decades
Charles Ehikioya

The two officers left after Mr Ehikioya informed them that he was a serving officer and showed them his warrant card. He said: “These were alleged offences that could have ended my whole career.”

An officer claimed Mr Ehikioya’s driving was “unusual”, which he strongly disputes in the recording seen by the BBC.

MP Dawn Butler was stopped in a car by police 
UK Parliament

Mr Ehikioya, who has worked for the Met for 22 years, said: “I believed I was racially profiled and received no apology. I have kids and a grandson. I would not want them treated like this.”

The complaint comes amid renewed criticism of police use of stop-and-search powers.

Scotland Yard said: “The review found no evidence of misconduct. No action was taken against the man stopped.

Detained: Bianca Williams and Ricardo dos Santos criticised police (Bianca Williams )
Bianca Williams

“While we do not underestimate the impact that stops of any kind have on the community, securing and maintaining the trust of the public is integral to the principle of policing by consent and to continue to do so, we recognise that our staff must act with professionalism and integrity.

"Any allegation, whether external or internal, made concerning the conduct of our staff is taken extremely seriously. We will fully examine each incident to determine whether the conduct of staff has breached the standards of professional behaviour.

“Where the conduct is proven to have fallen below the standards expected, we will take robust action to ensure that staff are appropriately disciplined and that lessons are learnt from each case.”

MORE ABOUT