Met directed to hold misconduct hearing for firearms officer NX121

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has directed the Met Police to hold a disciplinary hearing for a firearms officer known as NX121.

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

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.

“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.”

A date for the hearing will be set in due course. To ensure independence from the Met for an impartial hearing, we will be asking a chief officer from another police force to chair it.