Met Police firearms officer who shot and killed Chris Kaba in London four years ago FINALLY has misconduct proceedings against him dropped

By RYAN HOOPER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT Published: 13:18, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 13:25, 5 August 2026 The police marksman who shot violent gangster Chris Kaba will not face misconduct proceedings, it has been confirmed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said officer Martyn Blake - known by his cipher NX121 - will not face a disciplinary probe, nearly four years after he shot 24-year-old Mr Kaba in the head. Mr Kaba was killed after he drove towards officers in an attempt to smash through a roadblock in Streatham, south London, in September 2022. The officer was cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey, with fellow police marksmen enraged that he had faced charges. The police watchdog initially said Mr Blake should face a gross misconduct hearing, a decision which caused firearms officers to turn in their weapons in protest. But it later paused the process while it waited for the Government to change regulations over the use of force. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'Today's decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought. '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.' Chris Kaba was shot and killed by a police officer in 2022 Sir Mark launched a passionate defence of officers' actions, and said the IOPC decision 'must be a milestone moment to reset a police accountability system that is out of balance'. He said: 'No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken.  'I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public.  'As I have said before, the more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime. That risks London becoming less safe. 'If your job is confronting dangerous and sometimes murderous criminals on behalf of communities, of course timely accountability for use of force is essential.  'But your life being on hold for four years or more as you go through multiple accountability processes is a disgraceful way to treat brave men and women. I also see the profound effect these cases routinely have on officers' families. 'NX121's case is a high profile example of something that is all too common for front line officers.  'The consequence is that while officers' physical bravery knows no bounds, too often they are hesitant because of the multiple legal jeopardies they face. 'Criminals are held to account once by the courts - officers can be held to account four times through criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest processes that span years. That cannot be right.' Paula Dodds, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: 'This is very much the right decision that will not only be welcomed by the officer and his family - but all police officers across London. 'It is imperative that there are policies in place for operational policing which support lawful decisions made by officers, based on their training, so that they should not be placed in fear of the loss of their liberty and livelihood. 'Police officers are of course - and rightly - highly accountable for their actions. But the officer has sadly suffered years of legal scrutiny following this incident. 'We are pleased this has all now concluded and that the officer can continue to serve the public without this hanging over him. The IOPC said it has decided 'there are no exceptional circumstances in this case that would justify changing from this position and therefore disciplinary proceedings will be withdrawn'. IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: 'Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba's family and friends and everyone impacted by his death. 'We are acutely aware of the impact of proceedings for everyone involved in this case and have always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays, however it was right that we paused progressing disciplinary proceedings until the legislation change came into effect and its impact was clear. 'Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sergeant Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings.' The IOPC said it had notified the coroner of its decision, after they had paused consideration of whether to re-open the inquest while disciplinary matters remained outstanding.