Metropolitan Police issue final warning to Nigerian policewoman who appeared in Big Brother

NIGERIAN-born policewoman Khafilat Kareem has been given a final written warning by the UK's Metropolitan Police after appearing on the Nigerian version of Big Brother without permission to do so.

Last week, a misconduct hearing found that Police Constable Khafilat Kareem had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to orders and instructions and discreditable conduct. Consequently, it was decided that a final written warning should be given to her after gross misconduct was proven.

PC Kareem had requested unpaid leave to appear on the show in July 2019 and although permission for the leave was granted, she was not given permission to appear on the show. Shortly after the unpaid leave was granted, she left the UK and took her work laptop with her without permission and when she appeared on the show, she surrendered her laptop to the show’s organisers.

After reviewing the case, the Metropolitan Police panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, found that Kareem had breached the standards of professional behaviour. Among other things, the panel found this breach of professional standards, relating to the laptop, proven at the level of misconduct.

Detective Chief Superintendant Andy Day said: “Permission was refused for PC Kareem to appear on the Nigerian version of Big Brother as it was felt it was not in the best interest for either her or the Metropolitan Police service to take part. Despite this refusal, she went on the show anyway.

“A detailed investigation was carried out by the Met’s directorate of professional standards which concluded Kareem should face gross misconduct proceedings. Being a police officer means you must abide by the standards of professional behaviour and PC Kareem’s behaviour clearly fell far short and she has been given a final written warning.”

Africa Magic, the TV company behind Big Brother Naija, said Kareem, who was in the Big Brother house for 77 days before being voted out, had joined the show so that she can do societal good. A profile of Kareem on the broadcaster’s website said she would spend the prize money that was worth N30m (£68,000) to host a travel show touring Nigeria’s beauty spots and invest in charitable causes.