The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has strongly condemned the harassment, intimidation, and verbal assault of veteran journalist, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
Bala, the Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and a Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was reportedly abused while covering the aftermath of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment on August 27, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Opeifa verbally attacked Bala 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?” He also allegedly disrupted her live reporting, threatened to have her removed by security operatives, and ordered her forcefully bundled out of the scene.
The NUJ revealed that when approached for clarification, Mr. Opeifa cited “security reasons” for his actions but continued to threaten Bala, vowing to report her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management in an attempt to have her dismissed. He further declared he would not permit her to cover NRC activities. The NRC boss also reportedly insulted NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, during attempts to mediate.
In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ FCT Council described Opeifa’s conduct as a violation of the constitutional rights of journalists, particularly women, and a grave threat to press freedom.
“This act is dehumanizing and a clear affront to Section 22 and Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. It undermines democracy, accountability, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The NUJ FCT Council expressed solidarity with Comrade Bala and demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa, while calling on the NRC to take decisive measures to prevent future occurrences.
“The Union has zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation of journalists and will pursue all necessary actions to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights of media practitioners,” the statement added.
The NUJ also urged government authorities and stakeholders to protect journalists and create a respectful, safe working environment, recognizing their vital role in promoting transparency and public enlightenment.
NUJ Demands Public Apology as NRC MD Harasses NTA Journalist in Abuja
