NUJ FCT Council Slams NRC MD Over Verbal Assault on Journalist, Demands Public Apology.
By Raymond Enoch.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has issued a strong condemnation of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, over what it describes as an outrageous and dehumanizing verbal attack on renowned journalist and former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ladi Bala.
In a statement issued today in Abuja, signed by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the incident as a gross violation of Bala’s fundamental rights, and a direct affront to press freedom, gender dignity, and democratic accountability.
The incident, which occurred on August 27, 2025, during the coverage of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, saw Bala—an experienced transport correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)—subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse and professional intimidation by Mr. Opeifa.
According to eyewitnesses and fellow journalists at the scene, Opeifa launched into an unprovoked tirade, shouting insults such as “you are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman,” and “look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless. Who is watching NTA?” His hostile behavior disrupted Bala’s live coverage and culminated in threats of physical removal, which were reportedly carried out under his instruction by security personnel.
The statement further disclosed that when officials of the NUJ reached out to Mr. Opeifa to seek clarity, he not only justified his actions on “security grounds” but also threatened to escalate the matter by reporting Comrade Bala to security agencies, the Presidency, and the NTA management, in an apparent bid to have her removed from her position.
The situation escalated further when Mr. Opeifa reportedly hurled insults at the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, who was attempting to mediate and obtain his side of the story.
“This behavior is not only unacceptable but dangerous,” the statement read. “It is a direct assault on democratic values and a blatant misuse of power by a public servant. Mr. Opeifa’s actions constitute a serious threat to the safety of journalists and a shameful example of the growing hostility against the media in Nigeria.”
Citing constitutional provisions under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which protect press freedom and freedom of expression, the NUJ insisted that the NRC boss’ actions amount to a legal and moral breach.
The Union has demandeda n immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
Concrete steps by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to prevent future occurrences of such abuse.
A commitment from public institutions to uphold and protect journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties.
The NUJ concluded by reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on the harassment and intimidation of journalists—especially women—and affirmed that it will explore every available legal and institutional channel to ensure accountability.
“The media is not the enemy; we are partners in democracy. Attacks like this are unacceptable and will not be ignored. We stand solidly with Comrade Ladi Bala and every journalist facing similar threats,” the statement concluded.
