UK Councillor Charged Over Alleged Hate Post Calling for Nigerians to Be “Melted Down”

A UK councillor is facing criminal charges after an alleged social media post targeting Nigerians sparked outrage and triggered a police investigation.

Glenn Gibbins, a 66-year-old councillor representing Reform UK, has been charged under the UK’s Communications Act 2003 over a post he allegedly made in 2024 that referenced the Nigerian community in offensive and inflammatory terms. According to Northumbria Police, the post allegedly read:

“Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should m+lt them all down and fill in the pot h%les!!”

The post reportedly came to the attention of authorities after it was reported to the police in May, prompting an investigation into the matter. Following the investigation, detectives submitted a case file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which subsequently authorised criminal charges against the councillor.

Before the charge was announced, Gibbins had been suspended by Reform UK while the allegations were being investigated. However, the party later reinstated him and issued him a final written warning. In a statement, Northumbria Police confirmed the charge and urged members of the public to avoid speculating about the case, either online or offline, as legal proceedings are now underway.

Gibbins is expected to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21, where he will answer to the charge.

Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for Reform UK said the party is aware of the criminal case involving the councillor and will closely monitor the outcome of the court proceedings before taking any further action.

The case has since generated widespread reactions online, particularly among Nigerians, with many condemning the alleged remarks as hateful and calling for accountability.

As the case heads to court, all eyes will be on the upcoming hearing, which is expected to determine the next stage in one of the most talked-about controversies involving a British public official and the Nigerian community.