UK Police Dismiss Nigerian-British Officer for Biting Colleague at Party

The UK’s Metropolitan Police Service has officially dismissed Nigerian-British officer Shola Balogun of Bromley Police Station following allegations that he bit a fellow officer during a social gathering. The incident occurred at a birthday party in Bexleyheath, Kent, where Balogun and the alleged victim, both attendees, reportedly engaged in an altercation.

According to documents from a disciplinary hearing held from October 21 to 23, 2024, Balogun was accused of acting aggressively towards his colleague, leading to physical contact that resulted in an alleged bite on the face. The hearing was chaired by senior officer Christopher McKay, with panel members IPM Amanda Harvey and Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead.

The report details that the incident unfolded at a 40th birthday celebration attended by approximately 70 people, including members of Bromley Police Station’s ERT C team, at the Goals Sports Bar in Bexleyheath. The altercation reportedly began as Balogun and the victim—both of whom had previously shared a friendly work relationship—engaged in what initially appeared to be light-hearted interaction.

Accounts of the incident vary. The victim stated that around 11:30 p.m., Balogun removed his glasses and then physically pushed him when he attempted to retrieve them. During the confrontation, Balogun allegedly leaned forward and bit the victim on the right side of his face. Balogun denied any aggressive intent, claiming he only knocked off the glasses by accident and did not bite his colleague.

Medical evidence, however, supported the victim’s claims, leading the disciplinary panel to conclude that Balogun’s behavior constituted “Discreditable Conduct” under the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) code. This standard requires officers to avoid any behavior, on or off duty, that could undermine public confidence in the police. The panel stated, “Assaulting a fellow officer is clearly unacceptable and discreditable behavior.”

Testimonies regarding Balogun’s character were also reviewed, with several colleagues and a supervisor describing him as a reputable officer. Despite his positive work history, the panel noted previous disciplinary concerns, which contributed to their final decision. They cited the necessity of upholding public trust in the police as grounds for dismissing Balogun without notice.

The dismissal document underscored that “a Final Written Warning is not appropriate in this case,” and concluded, “The only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case is Dismissal Without Notice.”