NUJ Demands Public Apology as NRC MD Harasses NTA Journalist in Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has issued a forceful condemnation of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, following a shocking incident of harassment, intimidation, and verbal assault directed at veteran journalist Comrade Ladi Bala. The confrontation, which unfolded in the chaotic aftermath of a major train derailment, has ignited a fierce debate about press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the treatment of women in media roles.
A Veteran Journalist Under Attack
The alarming episode occurred on August 27, 2025, as Comrade Ladi Bala, the Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and a seasoned Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was performing her professional duty. She was on-site covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, a significant event of public interest, when she was allegedly accosted by the NRC’s top official.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Mr. Opeifa launched into a tirade of abuse against the journalist. He reportedly hurled derogatory and sexist remarks, including statements 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 verbal assault escalated as he allegedly disrupted her live broadcast, threatened to have security operatives remove her from the scene, and ultimately ordered her to be forcefully bundled away from the area.
Threats and Intimidation Beyond the Scene
What makes this incident particularly egregious, according to the NUJ, is that the intimidation did not end at the scene of the derailment. When approached later for clarification on his aggressive behavior, Mr. Opeifa reportedly cited vague “security reasons” as his justification. However, he simultaneously continued his campaign of threats against Comrade Bala.
The NRC boss allegedly vowed to report her to various security agencies, the Presidency, and the management of the NTA in a blatant attempt to have her dismissed from her job. In a move that strikes at the heart of journalistic independence, he also declared that he would no longer permit her to cover any NRC activities, effectively attempting to blacklist a reporter for doing her job.
In a further display of belligerence, Mr. Opeifa reportedly extended his insults to the NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, when she attempted to mediate the situation and seek a peaceful resolution. This suggests a pattern of dismissiveness towards the institution of the press and its representatives.
NUJ’s Firm Stance: A Violation of Constitutional Rights
In a strongly-worded statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ FCT Council left no room for ambiguity in its position. The union described Opeifa’s conduct as a severe violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed to every journalist and a grave threat to the fundamental principle of press freedom.
The statement explicitly invoked the nation’s supreme law, noting, “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.” This framing elevates the incident from a mere personal conflict to a matter of democratic health and constitutional integrity.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment
The NUJ expressed its unwavering solidarity with Comrade Bala and outlined a clear path for redress. The union’s demands are straightforward and non-negotiable: an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Kayode Opeifa. Furthermore, it has called upon the Nigerian Railway Corporation as an institution to take decisive internal measures to ensure such a shameful occurrence is never repeated.
The statement contained a stern warning: “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.” This suggests that legal action, wider industrial measures, or appeals to higher government authorities could follow if their demands are not met.
The Bigger Picture: A Chilling Effect on Journalism
This incident is not happening in a vacuum. Across the globe, journalists face increasing levels of hostility, and Nigeria is no exception. When a high-ranking public official engages in such brazen acts of intimidation, it sends a chilling message to the entire media community. It risks creating an environment where reporters, especially women, may second-guess their pursuit of difficult stories for fear of retribution.
The targeting of a female journalist with sexist insults adds another deplorable layer to the event. It highlights the specific challenges women in media often confront while carrying out their work, from misogynistic language to threats aimed at their professional standing.
The NUJ’s response, therefore, also serves as a call to action for broader societal stakeholders. The union urged government authorities and all relevant stakeholders to recognize the vital role journalists play in promoting transparency and public enlightenment. It emphasized the urgent need to actively protect media personnel and foster a respectful, safe working environment where they can operate without fear of coercion or violence.
Accountability and the Path Forward
The ball now rests in the court of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and Mr. Opeifa. His response, or lack thereof, will be closely watched by media advocacy groups, civil society, and the public. A failure to issue an apology and provide assurances of a change in conduct will likely be seen as an endorsement of his actions and could severely damage public trust in the NRC.
For the Nigeria Union of Journalists, this case represents a critical line in the sand. Their robust defense of Comrade Ladi Bala is a defense of every journalist’s right to report the news without interference. Their pursuit of accountability is a fight to preserve the space for a free press—a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. The outcome will undoubtedly set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and will either reinforce or erode the safeguards protecting Nigeria’s Fourth Estate.
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