Met told to hold misconduct hearing for firearms officer who shot Chris Kaba

THE INDEPENDENT Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has directed the Met Police to hold a disciplinary hearing for a firearms officer who shot Chris Kaba.

NX121 was unanimously acquitted of the murder of Mr Kaba following an Old Bailey trial in October 2024.

In March 2024, firearms officer NX121 was named as Martyn Blake following a judge’s decision to lift an anonymity order – which prevented his identity from being revealed.

Mr Kaba, 24, died in September 2022 in Streatham, south London, after a single gunshot wound sustained during a Met operation.

The IOPC has now determined that Blake has a case to answer for his use of force and he will face a gross misconduct hearing.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “We recognise the significant impact of Mr Kaba’s death on his family who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one.

“Since NX121 was acquitted, the IOPC has been reconsidering whether he should face misconduct proceedings. We made strong representations that he should not face any further action due to the extensive evidence tried and tested at court and the not guilty verdict returned by the jury.

“We know any fatal use of force by police understandably prompts concern among communities. NX121 made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and London and a jury unanimously decided that was an honestly-held belief and the force used was reasonable.

“However, the IOPC has now determined that NX121 has a case to answer for his use of force and has directed us to hold a gross misconduct hearing.”

Widespread anger

Assistant Commissioner Taylor added: “We know another lengthy process will fall heavily on the shoulders of NX121 and more widely our firearms officers, who continue to bravely and tirelessly police the streets of London every day to protect the public.

“Our armed officers respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired by police each year. These officers are the most professional, accountable and cautious in their use of lethal force in the world and their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city.

“Now is not the time for debate and discussion about this case, it is important that we do not risk prejudicing NX121’s right to an impartial hearing.

“We will provide further updates and comment when these proceedings have concluded.”

Family’s response

Daniel Machover and Ellie Cornish of Hickman and Rose, who represent the family, said: “In April 2023, six months after Chris Kaba’s death, the Metropolitan Police Service agreed with the IOPC that Martyn Blake had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

“It is disappointing that the MPS later changed its mind about this; and it is welcome that the IOPC has not. It is right that this officer’s actions are held to account in accordance with the applicable professional standard on the use of force.

“Chris Kaba’s family today call upon the IOPC to present the misconduct case to the disciplinary panel so that the process is as fair and rigorous as possible. There must be no further delay in hearing the case.”

A date for the hearing will be set in due course.

To ensure independence from the Met for an impartial hearing, a chief officer from another police force is expected to chair it.

In October 2024, the Daily Mail, reported that the firearms officer who shot Mr Kaba could be promoted.

According to the newspaper, Martyn Blake, 40, is set become an inspector after he passed the relevant exams prior to the fatal shooting two years ago.