The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council strongly condemns the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse directed at Comrade Ladi Bala, Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists and Transport Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
On August 27, 2025, while performing her professional and legal duties covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, Comrade Bala was subjected to unprovoked assault by Mr. Opeifa.
He verbally abused her with derogatory remarks such as, “You are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman, look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless. Who is watching NTA?”
The NRC boss reportedly disrupted her live reporting, aggressively questioned her presence, threatened to have her physically removed, and eventually ordered security personnel to bundle her away from the scene.
Other journalists present at the incident confirmed that Mr. Opeifa assaulted her with degrading language, attacking her professionalism and personal appearance.
When contacted by NUJ officials, the NRC MD claimed he stopped her live coverage for “security reasons,” but went further to threaten that he would report her to security agencies, The Presidency, and NTA management to ensure she loses her job.
He also vowed to bar her from covering any future NRC events.
In a statement signed by the NUJ FCT Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the council described Mr. Opeifa’s actions as a gross violation of Comrade Bala’s fundamental human rights and dignity, a direct assault on press freedom, and an attack on women in journalism.
“This conduct is dehumanizing and a blatant infringement on the journalist’s right to freedom of expression and press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). It is an affront on democracy and the rule of law, undermining the vital role of journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment,” the statement read.
The NUJ further noted that the “inane attitude” of the NRC boss reflects the growing hostility faced by the media in Nigeria and the increasing intolerance of government officials towards accountability and public scrutiny.
The council declared its solidarity with Comrade Ladi Bala and reaffirmed its zero tolerance for any form of harassment, intimidation, or abuse of journalists, particularly women.
“In light of this, the NUJ demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Kayode Opeifa and calls on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take decisive action to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. The NUJ FCT Council condemns this act in its totality and will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the FCT and beyond,” the statement emphasized.
The council also urged relevant authorities to support a conducive and respectful working environment for media practitioners, recognizing their essential role in democracy and society.
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