NUJ FCT demands apology from NRC MD over harassment, intimidation of journalist

NRC MD, Okpeifa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has demanded an immediate apology from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Okpeifa, for the verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation of Comrade Ladi Bala, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) transport reporter and former Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) President.

The council condemned the action of Opeifa, and demanded an immediate public apology, citing violations of press freedom.

Ladi Bala faced Opeifa’s verbal assault while covering the August 26, 2025, Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.

While Bala was conducting a live broadcast, Opeifa was said to have disrupted her, using abusive language and ordering security to remove her, citing “security reasons.”

He later threatened to report her to security agencies and NTA management.

Opeifa was said to have used derogatory terms like “stupid,” “foolish woman,” and “useless,” on the reporter.

The MD was also accused of dressing down the reporter on account of her attire, and threatened to have her sacked and barred from NRC events.

NUJ Abuja council chairperson, Grace Ike and Secretary, Jide Oyekunle in a statement urged public officers to be cautious of their public actions.

In the statement, the council citing breaches of Sections 22 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) on press freedom and expression, labeling Opeifa’s actions as dehumanizing and a threat to democracy

The council ssid action of the MD undermined journalists’ role in ensuring transparency.

The council vowed to pursue legal means to protect journalists and called for a respectful media environment.

The incident reflects growing hostility toward media, particularly women journalists, in Nigeria.

Bala’s report aimed to highlight safety concerns after the derailment, though no fatality was recorded.

Ladi Bala, with 15 years at NTA, is a respected journalist known for covering transport and gender issues.

On X, @NigerianMedia tweeted: “NRC must apologise—journalists deserve respect!”