NUJ FCT Slams NRC Boss Over Harassment of Journalist …Demands Public Apology, Protection for Press Freedom

By Queen Kunde

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has condemned in strong terms the harassment and intimidation of Comrade Ladi Bala, former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Transport Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

The incident, which occurred on August 27, 2025, during Bala’s coverage of the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, has sparked outrage within the media community. Witnesses allege that Opeifa verbally assaulted the journalist with derogatory remarks, disrupted her live broadcast, and threatened to have her forcibly removed from the scene.

According to the NUJ, the NRC boss went as far as questioning Bala’s professionalism, hurling insults about her appearance, and allegedly threatening to petition security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management to have her dismissed. He also vowed to bar her from covering future NRC events.

In a statement signed by the NUJ FCT Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the Council described Opeifa’s conduct as “dehumanizing, undemocratic, and a grave violation of press freedom and constitutional rights under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

The Council further revealed that even attempts by NUJ Chairman Grace Ike to mediate were met with threats and insults from Opeifa.

“This act is not only an affront to democracy and the rule of law, but it also reflects the growing hostility of government officials towards media accountability,” the statement read. “The NUJ stands firmly with Comrade Ladi Bala and reiterates zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, or abuse of journalists, particularly women journalists.”

The Union has demanded an immediate, unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa and called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

The NUJ emphasized that it will pursue all legal and institutional avenues to hold the NRC boss accountable and safeguard the dignity, rights, and safety of journalists in Abuja and beyond.