The IOPC has withdrawn misconduct proceedings against Sgt Martyn Blake, who shot Chris Kaba in Streatham in 2022 and was acquitted of murder in 2024. Proceedings were paused while a change in June to the legal test for use-of-force cases—from a civil standard to a criminal one—was assessed. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the decision ends "almost four years of uncertainty" for the officer, while campaigners said the outcome is a setback for Kaba's family. A coroner will now decide whether an inquest into Kaba's death should proceed.
IOPC Withdraws Misciplinary Action Against Met Officer Over Chris Kaba Shooting
Chris Kaba was shot in Streatham, south London, in September 2022 [Kaba family]
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has withdrawn misconduct proceedings against Sergeant Martyn Blake, the Metropolitan Police officer who shot 24-year-old Chris Kaba in Streatham in 2022. Blake was acquitted of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey in 2024. The IOPC said it paused disciplinary action in January while assessing the impact of a recent change in the legal test applied to use-of-force allegations.
In June, the legal standard for use-of-force misconduct cases shifted from a civil-law test to a criminal-law test. The change means that conduct which does not amount to a criminal offence should not automatically be treated as misconduct in disciplinary proceedings.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the IOPC decision, saying it ends "almost four years of uncertainty" for the officer known by the cypher NX121 and his family, and calling the current accountability process for officers "disgraceful." He acknowledged the continued grief of Chris Kaba's family and said the outcome should prompt reform of the wider police accountability system.
"Since NX121's unanimous acquittal by an Old Bailey jury, and in the absence of any evidence that he failed in his duties, we have been clear and consistent in our view that he should not face a misconduct hearing," Sir Mark said.
The IOPC's director of engagement, Amanda Rowe, said the watchdog "always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays" but that pausing proceedings while the effect of the new legislation was understood was the right course of action. She said the IOPC considered its policy and representations from both the Kaba family and Sgt Blake before notifying them that disciplinary action would be withdrawn.
A coroner will now decide whether an inquest into Kaba's death should proceed.
The decision drew strong reactions. Campaigners, including the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign and the charity Inquest, described the withdrawal as a "blow" to the family. Temi Mwale of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign warned the decision sent a "dangerous message," while Deborah Coles of Inquest said it signalled that "police can act with impunity."
By contrast, Paula Dodds, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, praised the IOPC's move as "the right decision," noting the toll prolonged scrutiny had taken on the officer and his family and welcoming the conclusion of the disciplinary process so the officer can continue to serve.
Next steps: The coroner's office will determine whether an inquest is held. The IOPC's choice to withdraw proceedings is likely to influence calls for further reform of how police use-of-force allegations are handled across criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest processes.
Help us improve.
