NUJ Condemns NRC Boss for Assault on Journalist, Demands Public Apology
NUJ Condemns NRC Boss for Assault on Journalist, Demands Public Apology
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has strongly condemned the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse of Comrade Ladi Bala, the Immediate Past 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 occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, while Comrade Bala was on official duty covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment. Witnesses confirmed that Mr. Opeifa verbally assaulted her with derogatory and demeaning remarks, including: “You are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman, look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless. Who is watching NTA?”
According to reports gathered by Akahi News, the NRC boss not only disrupted Bala’s live reporting but also ordered security personnel to forcibly remove her from the scene. Other journalists present corroborated that the NRC MD launched a personal attack on her professionalism and appearance.
When approached by NUJ officials, Mr. Opeifa defended his actions on the grounds of “security reasons,” yet threatened to escalate the matter by reporting her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management in a bid to get her dismissed. He further vowed to prevent her from covering any future NRC-related events.
NUJ FCT Reacts
In a statement signed by the NUJ FCT Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the council described Opeifa’s conduct as “a gross violation of Comrade Bala’s fundamental human rights, a direct assault on press freedom, and an attack on women in journalism.”
The statement stressed:
“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 NUJ further condemned the “inane attitude” of the NRC boss, warning that it reflects the growing hostility towards media practitioners in Nigeria and the increasing intolerance of public officials to scrutiny.
Demands and Call to Action
The NUJ declared total solidarity with Comrade Bala, reaffirming its zero tolerance for any form of intimidation or harassment of journalists, particularly women. It therefore demanded an immediate, unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa and called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take swift corrective measures to avoid a recurrence.
The council also urged relevant authorities to uphold press freedom and provide a safe, conducive working environment for journalists, recognising their indispensable role in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability in governance.
Akahi News gathered that the NUJ intends to pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the dignity and welfare of journalists in the FCT and across Nigeria.
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