A former Army nurse is suing the Ministry of Defence for £1.2 million, alleging that a colleague's racist hand gesture and a culture of fear at RAF Brize Norton caused his mental health to deteriorate and forced him to leave the forces. Paul Erhahiemen, 43, of Nigerian heritage, claims he suffered depression, paranoia and suicidal thoughts after being subjected to bullying and racist comments.
Mr Erhahiemen, who previously served with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment guarding Queen Elizabeth II, joined the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps and was posted to RAF Brize Norton in September 2020. He alleges that a colleague used a hand gesture meaning “black or painted face or skin” when referring to him, and that he faced daily micro-aggressions. He says the hostile environment led to his premature voluntary release in November 2021.
Although reinstated in 2023, Mr Erhahiemen was medically discharged in May 2025 due to ongoing mental health issues. His barrister, Tara-Lynn Poole, told the High Court that he experienced a “culture of fear” where discrimination and bullying were normalised, causing him to feel humiliated, degraded and isolated. She added that he was an avid polo player and pilot but has since stopped these activities.
The Ministry of Defence is contesting the claim, with barrister Dominic Ruck Keene arguing that Mr Erhahiemen must prove the racist incidents occurred and that the MoD took all reasonable steps to protect his mental health. The defence states that prior to 2021 there was no requirement to assess the risk of harm from bullying, and that any such risk was later managed appropriately. It also notes Mr Erhahiemen’s prior history of mental illness.
The case, filed at the High Court in London, was listed for a costs hearing before Deputy Master Skinner, who described it as “complex” and directed a 10-day trial at a future date. Mr Erhahiemen currently resides in New Zealand.
