A councillor in the United Kingdom (UK) has been charged after allegedly posting a racist and offensive comment about Nigerians on social media.
David Gibbins, a 66-year-old councillor representing Reform UK on Sunderland City Council, is facing a charge under the Communications Act 2003 over a post prosecutors say was grossly offensive.
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The charge relates to a social media message he allegedly shared in 2024 in which he made derogatory remarks about members of the Nigerian community.
According to investigators, Gibbins wrote: “Can’t believe amount of Nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the potholes!!” The comment quickly attracted criticism after resurfacing and was widely condemned for its racist and inflammatory nature.
Northumbria Police said they were alerted to the post in May and immediately launched an investigation. Following inquiries, officers submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which reviewed the case and authorised the criminal charge.
The force confirmed that Gibbins has now been formally charged with sending a grossly offensive message through a public electronic communications network.
He is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on 21 August, where the case will begin.
In a statement, Northumbria Police acknowledged the public attention the case has generated and urged people to avoid making comments that could interfere with the legal process.
“We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post,” a police spokesperson said.
“We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case.”
The case has attracted widespread attention because of the nature of the alleged remarks and the growing concern over hate speech and racist abuse on social media platforms.
Following public backlash over the post, Gibbins was reportedly suspended by Reform UK while the matter was being examined. However, media reports indicate that he was later reinstated by the party before the criminal charge was announced.
The charge comes as UK authorities continue to take action against offensive online communications that are considered capable of inciting hatred or causing serious offence. Under the Communications Act 2003, individuals found guilty of sending grossly offensive messages through electronic communications can face criminal penalties.
With legal proceedings now underway, the allegations against Gibbins will be determined by the court. Until then, he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case progresses through the UK justice system.
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