A Metropolitan Police officer is under investigation for appearing on Nigeria’s version of Big Brother without permission.

Khafi Kareem, 29, was seen last year alongside commissioner Cressida Dick as Scotland Yard celebrated 100 years of female officers.

But she later took unpaid leave and became a housemate on Big Brother Naija, where she is still appearing on the show.

A profile on its official website said PC Kareem “believes that you can have it all if you believe in yourself” and wants to “do societal good”.

The website described the contestant as a police officer and said she was originally from Nigeria’s Ekiti state.

When asked what irritated her most about people, PC Kareem replied: “When they try to control me or suppress me from expressing myself freely.”

The officer said that if she won the competition she would spend the prize money, reportedly worth 30 million naira (£68,000), on hosting a travel show in Nigeria and investing in charitable causes.

Her appearance on Big Brother Naija hit international headlines following the broadcast of intimate scenes with a fellow housemate.

In a statement posted on social media, representatives of PC Kareem said: “Khafi is a proud black female police officer who prides herself in her work and has dedicated her youthful years protecting and serving with her many skills, which include the ability to speak at least five international languages.”

Scotland Yard said PC Kareem is attached to its “transformation command”, which oversees changes to the organisation.

A spokesperson said she had requested permission to take part in a reality television show in Nigeria but “permission was not given”.

“The Met is aware that the officer has since appeared on the show without authority,” a statement added.

“The Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and will be carrying out an investigation into the circumstances.

“The Met does not support the officer’s appearance nor does she represent the Met whilst appearing on the show.”

The force said PC Kareem had previously requested a period of unpaid leave, for an unrelated reason, which was authorised and is ongoing.

“All police officers have a duty to behave with professionalism and in a manner that does not bring the Met into disrepute whether on or off duty,” a spokesperson added.

“Those who do not behave professionally risk breaching police standards of professional behaviour, and may be dealt with by way of misconduct proceedings.”