UK councillor charged over offensive social media post targeting Nigerians

A Reform UK councillor, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged over an allegedly offensive social media post referencing the Nigerian community.

Northumbria Police said the 66-year-old was charged under the UK’s Communications Act 2003 in connection with a post he made in 2024.

According to reports, Gibbins was previously investigated by Reform UK over the post and issued a final written warning. He was also suspended by the party before later being reinstated.

The post at the centre of the charge read: “Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”

Police said they were first alerted to the post in May and subsequently launched an investigation before submitting a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.

In a statement, a police spokesperson urged members of the public to refrain from commenting on the case while legal proceedings are ongoing.

“We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case,” the spokesperson said.

Northumbria Police added that Gibbins, who is from the Sunderland area, is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21.

Responding to the development, a Reform UK spokesperson said the party was aware of the case and would await the court’s decision.

“We will monitor the verdict closely,” the spokesperson said.

Vanguard News