The UK Metropolitan Police panel has found Police Constable Khafi Kareem guilty of gross misconduct after failing to heed instruction not to appear on Nigerian reality TV show, BBNaija

Khafi spent 77 days on the “Pepper Dem” edition of the show, seeking fame and fortune before she was evicted.

Met Police had earlier declined her request to participate in the show because the authorities deemed it not in the best interest of the parties.

“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,” Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Day mentioned.

Khafi however ignored the rejection of her request for unpaid leave  to appear on the show in June 2019, preferring “the exposure that being in Big Brother Naija House brings so that she can do societal good.”

The misconduct hearing panel ruled that Khafi had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to “orders and instructions” and “discreditable conduct”. The panel, therefore, found that gross misconduct was proven and Khafi should be given a final written warning, Met Police said.

Mr Day further explained that Khafi joined the Met Police as a PC based at Lambeth station in 2015, having worked part-time as a special constable for four years.

“Being a police officer means you must abide by the standards of professional behaviour. PC Kareem’s behaviour clearly fell far short and she has been given a final written warning,” he stressed.

The ex-BBNaija contestant became popular when she was enmeshed in a romantic affair with fellow contestant Ekpata Gedoni during the show. The duo eventually got married in 2020 and welcomed their first child in 2021.