UK Councillor Charged Over Alleged Anti-Nigerian Docial Media Post

A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged in connection with a social media post deemed “grossly offensive” towards Nigerians.  

Gibbins faces the charge under Section 127 of the UK’s Communications Act 2003. Prosecutors allege that in a 2024 post, he suggested Nigerians should be “melted down and used to fill potholes.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charge following a police investigation. Gibbins is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in August.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized a charge under the Communications Act 2003 in relation to an alleged grossly offensive social media post,” the CPS confirmed.

Gibbins was elected as a Sunderland councillor in the May 2026 local elections on the platform of Reform UK, a right-wing populist party.

In response, a Reform UK spokesperson said the party is aware of the situation and will “monitor the verdict closely.”

The party had earlier suspended Gibbins during an internal disciplinary process. He was reinstated in June after issuing an apology and receiving a final written warning. Reform UK described the post as unacceptable at the time.

The case will now proceed to court. Under UK law, Gibbins is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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