Nigerian-British Officer Dismissed Over Colleague Assault Allegation

The UK Metropolitan Police has dismissed Nigerian-British officer Shola Balogun, who was stationed at Bromley Police Station, following an alleged altercation where he bit a colleague at a birthday gathering in Bexleyheath, Kent.

According to a report from the hearing held from October 21-23, 2024, led by senior officer Christopher McKay with panelists IPM Amanda Harvey and Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead, the incident involved Balogun and a fellow officer (name withheld) at a party attended by approximately 70 people at Goals Sports Bar. Both officers, known to have a previously friendly relationship, had worked together at Bromley Police Station since 2018.

The incident, which occurred on April 22, 2022, allegedly began with Balogun grabbing the victim’s glasses and leading to a physical confrontation. While the victim stated Balogun then pushed him and bit his face, Balogun denied these claims, asserting the glasses were knocked off by accident. However, medical evidence indicated a bite injury.

The hearing document outlined that Balogun’s conduct was deemed a violation of police standards for Discreditable Conduct, defined by the College of Policing Code of Ethics as any behavior, on or off duty, that could undermine public confidence in the police. Despite testimonials about Balogun’s professionalism, his prior disciplinary record influenced the panel’s decision to dismiss him without notice, as they concluded that his actions harmed both the victim and public trust in the Metropolitan Police.