“We are investigating before deciding on next steps."
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has launched an investigation into would-be politician Akhmed Yakoob after he shared a video that falsely accused a teacher of racism.
Mr Yakoob, director of Maurice Andrews Solicitors, has been the subject of multiple complaints to the professional body that oversees solicitors.
The probe was triggered by a video that Mr Yakoob shared on his social media accounts.
The video showed a 27-year-old teacher was out delivering leaflets in the Netherton and Holly Hall ward on May 2, 2024.
Text in the video claimed the teacher said “p****”.
Akhmed Yakoob later shared the name of the teacher and the school she worked at.
This led to the woman and her school receiving abusive messages, including death threats and demands for her sacking.
It was revealed that the woman actually said “I couldn’t understand” and then the number “90” to her colleague.
The video misled viewers with the captions overlaying the video.
West Midlands Police later confirmed there was “no evidence of a racist slur or racist language” in the content.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority said: “We are investigating before deciding on next steps.”
Solicitors under the oversight of the SRA have to adhere to strict professional standards at all times, in and out of work.
In guidance to solicitors, this includes:
- Act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the profession.
- Act with integrity.
- Act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion.
The investigation is believed to focus on Mr Yakoob’s use of his social media profile to promote a video later ruled to include false claims.
This includes his personal role in circulating the details of an individual and organisation subsequently on the receiving end of abuse and threats.
The SRA has the power to fine solicitors up to £25,000 and, if it thinks the resulting misconduct requires a more severe sanction, cases can be referred to the independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) which has unlimited fining powers and the ultimate sanction of striking a solicitor off the roll.
In a statement, Mr Yakoob said: “I understand this matter is being investigated so until the outcome of the investigation I will not be making any comment.
“Suffice to say the video has been taken down from all my platforms in view of the denials.”
Akhmed Yakoob rose to prominence after securing more than 69,000 votes when standing for Mayor of the West Midlands on a pro-Palestine platform, endorsed by Rochdale MP George Galloway, leader of the Workers’ Party.
He has announced he next intends to challenge Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood.
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