NUJ FCT condemns NRC MD Kayode Opeifa for harassing journalist Ladi Bala, demands public apology and action to uphold press freedom

NUJ FCT condemns NRC MD Kayode Opeifa over what it calls a disturbing and unacceptable case of harassment and verbal assault against veteran journalist Comrade Ladi Bala.

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In a statement released Friday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council strongly denounced the actions of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation during the coverage of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line on August 27, 2025.

According to the union, Bala—former NAWOJ President and NTA transport correspondent—was carrying out her professional duties when she was verbally abused by Mr. Opeifa, who reportedly used derogatory language, including calling her “stupid,” “foolish,” and “useless,” while questioning her presence at the scene.

Eyewitness accounts confirm that Opeifa not only disrupted her live report but also threatened to have her physically removed from the location. He later directed security officers to eject her from the premises.

Despite reaching out to the NRC MD for clarification, NUJ FCT said Opeifa doubled down, citing “security reasons” for stopping her live coverage, and allegedly vowed to report her to security agencies and her employers.

He also threatened to ban her from covering NRC events in the future.

Even the NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, who attempted to mediate, was reportedly insulted by the MD.

NUJ FCT Condemns NRC MD Opeifa’s actions as not just disrespectful but a grave violation of press freedom and human dignity.

In the words of Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of NUJ FCT:

“This conduct of Mr. Opeifa was not only dehumanizing but a blatant violation of the journalist’s right to freedom of expression and press freedom, as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.”

The Council said such hostility reflects a broader pattern of intolerance toward media practitioners by public officials, adding that democracy cannot thrive where journalists are silenced or intimidated.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on abuse of journalists—especially women—the NUJ FCT demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa.

It also called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take internal action to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“This is an affront on democracy and the rule of law. The NUJ will pursue every legal and institutional avenue to protect journalists from abuse and ensure this matter is not swept under the carpet,” the statement read.

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The union further urged government agencies and security institutions to ensure a safe and respectful working environment for media professionals in Nigeria.